Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee provided this statement on the FCC broadband plan.

“There is no doubt that broadband is critical to economic growth and the goals outlined in the plan – encouraging investment in and adoption of broadband across our nation – are worthwhile objectives. The FCC's plan confirms that 95 percent of households have access to broadband and two-thirds of those households are subscribers. That's confirmation that our existing free market, pro-investment policies are working. The FCC must remain focused on the five percent of households that otherwise may be uneconomic for the private sector to serve.  I am concerned, however, that the plan may contain stalking horses for investment-killing ideas, such as so-called net neutrality mandates or a return to out-dated, monopoly-era regulation.”