WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the office of California Rep. Anna G. Eshoo:
The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a resolution today, stripping the Internet of rules in place to protect Internet freedom, openness, and innovation. H.J. Res.37 invalidates the open Internet order adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in December, 2010. The resolution has faced staunch opposition from consumers, public interest groups, businesses, and Democratic Members of Congress.
Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, said: "Over the past month, Members of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee have debated the importance of preserving a free and open Internet. From an Internet entrepreneur who co-founded Zipcar, to an executive of one of the nation's largest broadband providers, Members heard loud and clear that basic 'rules of the road' are good for consumers and provide companies the certainty they need to invest with confidence."
During its rulemaking process, the FCC received more than 100,000 comments from more than 2 million people-90 percent of whom were in favor of open Internet rules. Over one hundred public interest organizations, civil rights groups, religious groups, small businesses, unions, education advocates, and technology company associations expressed their support for preserving a free and open Internet, and opposed efforts to overturn the FCC rules.
A survey conducted this month by the Consumer Federation of America found that respondents supported policies to ensure open Internet access by more than two to one.
"The open Internet ecosystem has allowed innovative companies to generate tens of thousands of jobs and competition," Rep. Eshoo said. "By repealing rules to protect the hallmarks of the Internet, the Republican resolution will create market uncertainty, stifle consumer choice, and harm innovation and job creation. Americans overwhelmingly oppose practices which limit a free and open Internet, but Republicans have turned a deaf ear."
The resolution passed the Committee by a vote of 30-23 and will now be considered by the full House of Representatives.
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