Washington (January 14, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), who introduced the first net neutrality bill in the U.S. Congress, released the following statement today after the D.C. Circuit Court struck down critical segments of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Open Internet rules. Senator Markey is a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. 

 

“The Internet has become the world’s greatest platform for innovation, job-creation and economic growth because of its nondiscriminatory and open nature. We must ensure that as the Internet continues to evolve, it remains a level playing field guided by the principles of openness and competition

 

“As one of the primary authors of the Telecom Act of 1996, I know the Communications Act gives the FCC clear authority to oversee the operation of broadband networks, and has the power to intervene in its effort to preserve competition and safeguard consumers. 

 

“I plan to introduce legislation in the coming days that makes this crystal clear, and look forward to working with the Commission to ensure consumers are protected.” 

 

As former Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s telecommunications subcommittee, in 2009 then Rep. Markey introduced H.R. 3458, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act. The bill stated that it should be the policy of the United States to protect the right of consumers to access lawful content, run lawful applications, and use lawful services of their choice on the Internet while preserving and promoting the open and interconnected nature of broadband networks, enabling consumers to connect to such networks their choice of lawful devices, as long as such devices do not harm the network.