DeGette Commends FCC Ruling to Protect a Free and Open Internet

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. House Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) commended the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) vote to approve regulation that will reinstate legal protections to keep internet content open.

"It is vital that all Americans have access to a free and open Internet that continues to drive economic growth and the free exchange of ideas," said Rep. DeGette. "For the last thirteen months, we have lacked legal protections to maintain this freedom, and I am glad this step was taken to restore a regulatory framework. I will continue working with my committee colleagues and the FCC on a bipartisan basis to maintain a vibrant, free, and open Internet.."

Rep. DeGette serves on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which oversees the FCC as well as other agencies tasked with regulating telecommunications and issues related to cyberspace. On Wednesday of this week, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the need for FCC action to reinstate an enforceable regulatory framework to ensure the Internet remains free and open.

Today's FCC ruling came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit struck down the previous regulatory framework last January. Today's FCC order ends a thirteen month period in which there was no enforceable framework.

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