House Republicans and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) leaders attacked the Biden administration's broadband policies during Thursday's FCC oversight hearing.
After two years without a fifth commissioner, FCC Democrats have begun the process of reinstating Obama-era net neutrality rules. The 3-2 vote reinstated the policy that brought internet service providers under the jurisdiction of the FCC as telecommunications carriers. The FCC abolished net neutrality in 2017 under the Trump administration.
“The Biden administration has chosen partisan ideology over sensible policy,” Commissioner Brendan Carr (R) said. “In fact, nearly three years into the administration, a clear pattern has emerged. The Biden administration's entire approach to the internet, and its broadband agenda, can be summed up in one word: control. ”
House Republicans agreed, with Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) saying, “These burdensome and sweeping regulations will only hinder the buildout of broadband at a time when Americans need it most.” said.
Carr continued to attack the Biden administration, saying the regulations are not about consumer safety or efficiency, but about restoring government control.
“In other words, utility-style regulation of the internet was never meant to improve the online experience; it was just sheep's clothing,” Kerr said. “It's always been about government control.”
Other lawmakers agreed, saying media market laws should be handled by Congress, not the FCC.
“Changes to the laws governing media markets need to come from Congress, not the FCC,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Lawmakers clashed with FCC Democratic Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel throughout the hearing. When Latta asked how reinstating net neutrality rules could affect national security, Rosenworcel replied: [a] Discuss national security issues with you. You and I have already talked about this. ”
Before beginning his questions, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) told Rosenworcel: Therefore, we are here to monitor, not confront. I want to get an education. I don't want to have a confrontation. ”
Other committee members and House members encouraged their colleagues to refocus attention on the important issues at hand, such as consumer safety, rather than partisan accusations.
“Device security is just one of many other policy priorities the FCC should instead focus on instead of partisan goals that do not advance the public interest,” said Republican Commissioner Nathan Symington. said. “Going forward, I hope my colleagues will embrace more bipartisan, common-sense policies.”
The recently confirmed fifth Secretary of State, Anna Gomez (D), agreed, saying: From spam calls and fraudulent texts to protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring the internet remains open, consumer interests must drive our policy decisions. ”
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