WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statement on joining Reps. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) in introducing the Open Internet Preservation Act of 2014:
- “I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of legislation preserving the FCC’s ability to enforce net neutrality rules that keep the Internet open from gatekeeper interference. While the D.C. Circuit affirmed the FCC’s authority to oversee broadband services, this legislation is necessary to restore anti-blocking and non-discrimination rules in the interim. These basic rules of the road are necessary to protect both consumers and innovators.
- “It is critical that all Americans have access to a free and open Internet. This legislation is a stepping stone to making that a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the FCC, in ensuring our broadband ecosystem continues to promote innovation and consumer choice in the marketplace.”
Earlier this year the D.C. Circuit decision in Verizon v. FCC affirmed that the FCC does have authority over broadband. The Court ruling, however, also struck down the “no-blocking” and “nondiscrimination” rules of the FCC’s 2010 Open Internet Order. The Open Internet Preservation Act would restore the Open Internet rules pertaining to “no-blocking” and “nondiscrimination” until the FCC adopts new replacement rules under the authority recognized by the Court.
