Representative Eshoo Lauds FCC Decision to Move Ahead on Net Neutrality

WASHINGTON - Rep. Anna G. Eshoo(D-CA), co-author of legislation that would establish a national broadband policy and ensure an open and consumer-oriented Internet, today commended FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's announcement of a plan to establish new rules guaranteeing network neutrality.  Eshoo, who represents Silicon Valley, has a long history of support for open networks and was one of the first House members to introduce net neutrality legislation in the House.

"I am heartened that Chairman Genachowski is moving ahead expeditiously to put the FCC on the right track," Eshoo said.  "We've waited too long for the Commission to recognize the critical importance of keeping the internet free and open, to protect consumers and continue to spur innovation and growth."

Genachowski's statement mirrors legislation introduced on July 31, 2009 by Reps. Eshoo and Edward Markey (D-MA), the Internet Freedom Preservation Act.  The proposed legislation is designed to assess and promote Internet freedom for consumers and content providers.  Last week, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) joined as a cosponsor of the bill.

The FCC currently has no rules that address network neutrality and instead follows an unenforceable set of policy objectives:  Network operators cannot prevent users from accessing the lawful Internet content, applications, and services of their choice, nor can they prohibit users from attaching non-harmful devices to the network. 

The FCC Chairman plans to introduce a formal "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking" that would draw in comments from industry and consumer groups.

"I look forward to a transparent and fast-track process and I expect that we'll have rules as soon as possible," Eshoo noted.

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