Seventy-Four Democrats Say "No" to Title II Re-Classification Proposal
Seventy-four House Democrats sent a letter to Chairman Genachowski on May 24 saying they have concerns with the agency's plan to reclassify broadband as a Title II regulated service.
Chairman Genachowki's reclassification proposal is a response to the ruling in Comcast v. FCC that struck down the agency's implied jurisdiction over broadband network neutrality rules. The FCC Chairman's new "Third Way" proposal is an attempt to restore its regulatory powers over the transmission component of broadband Internet access while avoiding any control over Internet content, services or e-commerce.
In their letter to Chairman Genachowski, the lawmakers assert that Congress, not the agency itself, needs to clarify the FCC's jurisdiction. The letter argues that the FCC's proposal will create regulatory uncertainty and deter private investment in increased broadband connectivity.
Congressional leaders announced on May 24 that they are preparing to rewrite the Communications Act. Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV), Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), and Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), who chair the pertinent committees and subcommittees will invite interested parties to attend a series of bipartisan hearings on the matter, starting in June.
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