Opposes Heavy Handed Approach of Some Dems

Congressman Don Bacon today showed his support of a free and open internet for all consumers by voting against H.R. 1644, which would have led to a government-controlled internet through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Instead, he is supporting a tried and true light-touch regulatory approach by cosponsoring H.R. 1101, which prohibits blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization.

Democrats are trying to restore regulations that would undoubtedly limit private sector investment, hinder innovation, increase costs, and limit access for rural America.

“Previous regulations led to additional expenses for 80% of providers in rural areas leading to delayed or reduced network expansion and services,” said Rep. Bacon. “I support net neutrality principles, but not the Title II public utility re-classification proposed under this bill. This bill would also lay the groundwork for the government for eventually taxing the internet. We can classify it under the information service classification under Title I, returning choice to consumers and away from the federal government, while keeping the internet open for investment and preventing blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization.”

The internet is now operating under the same regulations that governed, and facilitated its expansive growth, from the mid 1990’s until 2015. Some Democrats predicted that the return of those regulations would lead to limited access of the internet. None of those scenarios came true.

However, Republicans and Democrats agree on several key parameters of how to preserve a free and open internet.

“Both sides of the aisle want Americans to have guaranteed access to all content at the same speeds and believe that ISPs should be transparent in their network management practices and prices,” said Rep. Bacon. “That is exactly what H. R. 1101 does and it will allow the internet to flourish; expanding broadband access, bridging the digital divide, and realizing the next wave of innovation.”