Rep. Waxman Pledges Support for Net Neutrality

http://savetheinternet.com

Net Neutrality wins another key supporter.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) opened todays 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. Waxmans 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.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• net neutrality
• save the internet
• waxman

[Guildguy2]

I've got an idea... lets let the government regulate half the ISP's like comcast and NOT regulate other half such as verizon. By doing this the consumers can see if the the government mucks things up or helps them. BTW kudos to the camera guy for getting a flattering angle on waxmans nose. If case you dont know, he suffers from reverse pinoihccio syndrome which means every time he lies his nose gets shorter. Rumor has it this is his last term in congress cause he's almost out of cartilage.

[buzzybeemarketing]

Once the government/FCC starts enforcing net neutrality, the monopolies that control the cable lines are just going to start limiting our internet usage and come up with a business model similar to cell phones. Verizon FIOS already lures you into a contract. The real problem is the monopoly that the government helps protect. The land the cable lines runs along belongs to the public.