Gus Bilirakis and Connie Mack Take Aim at Net Neutrality

On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave itself new powers to regulate the Internet on a 3-2 party lines vote. Two Florida Republicans in Congress joined the two Republicans in opposing the new net neutrality rules.

Its clear that Americans want a less intrusive federal government, yet the FCC flies in the face of those who voted for change this past November, and goes behind Congress back to implement this job-killing regulation, said U.S. Rep Gus Bilirakis. This administration has taken control of health care, banks, student loans, the auto industry and now the Internet, and Ill continue to fight this federal power grab in the 112th Congress.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission approved new rules that are nothing less than a federal government takeover of the Internet, insisted U.S. Rep. Connie Mack. By approving Chairman Genachowskis proposal, the FCC is defying the will of Congress and ignoring a recent ruling by a federal appeals court. Todays action will not survive a court challenge and I am hopeful Congress will reverse these newly-adopted FCC rules next year.

The broadband marketplace has thrived thanks to competition and the hands-off approach that had been previously adopted by the federal government, added Mack. When the government picks winners and losers in the market, innovation and investment are stifled. Chairman Genachowskis actions today will slow further investment in high-speed broadband networks and may further harm our economic recovery.I am deeply disappointed by this unnecessary and unauthorized government takeover of the Internet.