Keeping the Internet Open

As the Lead Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Chairman Emeritus on the House Homeland Security Committee, I released the following statement on keeping the internet open:

The internet has flourished into an information gateway that permeates every aspect of our society. It’s vital that it remain a free, vibrant, and innovative eco-system. Despite Democrat’s hyperbolic rhetoric, the internet does not need to be saved. Today’s proposal is not a solution; it presents a partisan approach fueled by overbearing regulation.

Republicans and Democrats largely agree on guiding principles for the internet, such as preventing blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization. This bi-partisan common ground is where we can find a long-term legislative solution.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was long-tasked with overseeing internet services, because it has the far-reaching experience overseeing data security and privacy practices. After restoring the FTC’s more reasonable federal oversight, broadband investments increased by over $2 billion and download speeds increased nearly 40 percent over the past year.  As innovation progresses, and we employ 5G technologies, heavy-handed regulation of the Internet is not the answer.

I remain fully committed to finding a bi-partisan solution that protects the innovation and access to the internet.