Rep. Waxman Pledges Support for Net Neutrality

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Net Neutrality wins another key supporter.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) opened the September 17 '09 FCC oversight meeting by singing Net Neutralitys praises and pledging to co-sponsor the Internet Freedom Preservation Act, which would make Net Neutrality the law.

The bill, which was introduced in late July by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), would finally safeguard Net Neutrality, and stop phone and cable companies from controlling what you do and where you go whenever youre online.

Waxman said:

The fears some have professed that net neutrality rules will stifle network investment have proven unfounded over the years. Most recently, over 2200 public and private entities applied for broadband grants and, in so doing, opted-in to net neutrality rules. Industry will benefit from clarity, consistency and predictability with regard to net neutrality.

As a Member who has worked hard to protect the intellectual property rights of our creative communities, I do not believe net neutrality and strong copyright protection are mutually exclusive goals. In fact, clear net neutrality rules should help broadband network operators explore innovative steps designed to stop the theft of online content. I know our new FCC Chairman shares my perspective on the importance of achieving both goals.

Indeed, the FCCs new Chairman Julius Genachowski has already pledged his support of Net Neutrality. In August, he said he would stand with the public interest to prevent Internet providers from blocking, slowing or in any way degrading lawful content on the Web.

Rep. Waxman's statement not only advances the bill, it also sends a clear message to Genachoswki that he has congressional support to establish a strong Net Neutrality rule at the FCC.

The growing support for Net Neutrality in Washington means were getting ever closer to protecting an open Internet for good. Hopefully, Rep. Waxmans endorsement of the bill will have a domino effect, and well be tallying co-sponsors faster than we can say Internet Freedom Preservation Act.

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