CWA Opposes Efforts to Overturn FCC Open Internet Rules

The Communications Workers of America released a statement in opposition to the threat by House Republicans to use the Congressional Review Act, appropriations riders, or any other means to nullify the FCC's recent Open Internet rules:

The Communications Workers of America, in partnership with more than 80 organizations representing labor, the environmental movement, the civil and human rights community, faith based organizations and consumer advocates, is expressing strong opposition to attempts by some House members to invoke a little-used law that would strip the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of its authority to protect the open Internet.

In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, CWA expressed concern that the effort would jeopardize not only the open Internet but the economic development our nation needs.

"This attack on the open Internet does nothing to achieve the world class broadband networks that our nation needs. We need to settle this issue using the FCC framework and encourage investment and network building," said CWA President Larry Cohen.

The FCC's open Internet rules are safeguards to prevent broadband providers from blocking access to online content, discriminating among their customers, and restricting online speech. These rules were developed after an extensive process that included input from all sides of the debate. Repealing these rules would leave consumers without the protections they need for an open Internet.

In addition to CWA, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, One Economy, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, prominent Library and Education organizations, the National Urban League, a coalition of leading Democrats and other leaders in the labor, environmental, faith based, consumer advocacy, civil and human rights communities have joined together to keep the Internet Open. Representative Henry Waxman entered the coalitions letter into Congressional Record as a show of support in the fight against utilizing the Congressional Review Act on Open Internet.

Communications Workers of America Opposes Efforts to End Open Internet (CWA)

Letter from CWA and other organizations

Letter from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, February 16, 2011

Letter from One Economy Corporation, February 16, 2011

Letter from Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Letter from Library and Education organizations

Letter from the National Urban League

Democrats Fight to Maintain Open Internet Framework (Committee on Energy & Commerce)