Hudson Votes Against Government Control of the Internet
April 10, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2019
Hudson Votes Against Government Control of the Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1644, legislation that would give the federal government near unlimited and unchecked authority to regulate the Internet:
“If this legislation became law, the Internet would be slower, more expensive, less free and controlled by Washington,” said Rep. Hudson. “This would hurt our rural communities the most – especially people who rely on the Internet to do business, employees who tele-work, students and teachers who use distance learning for critical STEM education and job-training programs, families who live apart and want to keep in touch, and doctors and patients who rely on tele-medicine. I’ll continue to work to keep the Internet free from government intervention and open so all Americans can access 21st Century opportunities and technology.”
Historically, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has struck a very careful balance to its regulation of the Internet. It was a national policy to preserve a free market for the internet “unfettered by Federal or State regulation.” This even-handed regulation directly contributed to the internet growing at an exponential rate over the past two decades. Our internet is faster and better than ever.
Today’s bill would restore the Obama-era “net neutrality” regulations that were in effect from 2015 to 2017. It would impose heavy-handed, outdated regulations that would grow bureaucratic power and obstruct the free market approach that has allowed the internet to thrive. It would mean:
- The government would control the internet. A panel of five unelected bureaucrats at the FCC would be in charge of setting prices, sanctioning new investments, and dictating how all Americans use the Internet.
- The government would increase taxes on your cell phone and your home internet. By recategorizing the Internet under current law, the government would tax your Internet and phone data plan – just like your cable bill.
- Rural communities will suffer the most. Our rural communities will face even higher costs, fewer options and slower service.
As a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Hudson previously helped author the “Principles for Broadband Infrastructure,” which received widespread national and bipartisan support.
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Issues:Economy and Jobs