WASHINGTON – Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Co-Chairs Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted today to approve Chairman Wheeler’s proposal protecting net neutrality through Title II reclassification of Internet access.
“We applaud the FCC for supporting an open and free Internet. After millions of comments from people all across the country, the FCC has validated their voices and ensured the Internet remains the democratic platform it is today.
“The Internet provides a space for free expression, and makes room for voices that are shut out of mainstream media. Reclassifying the Internet as a common carrier prevents a handful of powerful companies from controlling how Americans access the Internet. Allowing Internet service providers to create fast lanes would give an unfair advantage to a lucky few and burden the rest of us with a slower Internet. It would also create barriers for the web entrepreneurs and innovators who have great ideas, but wouldn’t be able to compete on a pay-to-play Internet. Today's decision preserves the people's voice and allows the Internet to remain democratic and open.”
The Congressional Progressive Caucus was an early proponent of net neutrality and led the fight in Congress by sending FCC Chairman Wheeler a letter in May of 2014 and later sending comments to the FCC in July 2014.
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