WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a longstanding proponent of net neutrality and author of the first ever net neutrality bill, released the following statement upon Verizon Communications’ federal lawsuit challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new Net Neutrality Order:

“While not a surprise, Verizon’s appeal is an attempt to unwind an Order that provides safeguards for consumers and promotes investment and job creation. In some areas, I felt the Order did not go far enough, but if it were overturned in its entirety, Internet users, entrepreneurs and our economy as a whole would be adversely affected. I am pleased that net neutrality conditions were included as part of the FCC’s approval of the Comcast-NBCU joint venture and support the Commission’s authority to implement the new Order to protect consumers, spur investment and job creation, foster innovation and promote the free flow of ideas on the Internet.”

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