STEARNS NOTES FCC REPORT THAT 95% OF AMERICANS HAVE ACCESS TO BROADBAND
 

Washington, Feb 17 -

“One of the few bright spots in our economy is in the technology sector,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), a senior member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. “Yet, for some reason, the FCC has decided to overstep its bounds and apply 19th century regulations to a 21st century network.  Only in Washington can a regulatory agency issue rules to solve a problem that does not exist.”

Today, the House approved an amendment to the Continuing Resolution that Stearns offered with Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) to prohibit funding for the FCC to implement Internet regulations, or net neutrality rules. The amendment addresses the decision by FCC Chairman Genachowski to regulate broadband in Title I as an information service with restrictions. “It does not need to be regulated by an unelected group of federal bureaucrats,” said Stearns.  “Net regulation will discourage investment and innovation precisely when we need it most, especially in light of our push to increase broadband deployment.  The FCC should not stand in the way of Internet innovation and expansion.”

“Before imposing any regulation on the Internet, it should be authorized and approved by Congress, and only after holding deliberative hearings and with a vote by elected officials,” concluded Stearns.