Senate Floor Statement on S.J.Res. 6
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Mr. President, I will oppose the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.6 a joint resolution of disapproval of the FCC rule regarding net neutrality.
This resolution of disapproval would overturn the FCC’s rule that would codify and supplement existing Internet openness principles while maintaining the ability of Internet service providers to engage in reasonable network management. The rules would prohibit Internet access providers from preventing its users from sending or receiving lawful content over the Internet; prohibit Internet access providers from preventing users from connecting lawful devices to the network; and would require Internet access providers to treat lawful content, applications, and services in a nondiscriminatory manner. It also included additional provisions that will create an Open Internet Advisory Committee to assess and report to the FCC on developments in mobile broadband.
The Internet has become an indispensable tool that has spurred innovation, provided virtually unlimited access to information and commerce, and increased communication through websites, e-mail, and blogs. It has become difficult to imagine life without the Internet, a system both open and unrestricted.
The Internet plays a critical role in our society because it provides an equal platform for all users, allowing for the free exchange of ideas and information. It is important that the Internet remain free and open and not risk becoming a system with limited access for some of the smaller websites and their users.