WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced that the committee will convene its first hearing of the 114^th Congress entitled, “Protecting the Internet and Consumers through Congressional Action” on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. The hearing will feature non-government expert witnesses testifying about current authorities of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress’ options to update outdated laws for the Internet Age.

Thune issued the following statement regarding the need for the hearing after months of bipartisan discussions that could lay the foundation for bipartisan legislation:

"Clear and reasonable rules are what every business and consumer needs and expects – this also applies to the Internet. The FCC currently has limited options to write rules that escape the uncertainty of litigation while protecting innovation. Clear statutory authority from Congress is necessary to update FCC authority for the Internet Age, escape court challenges, and avoid regulatory overreach from outdated laws.

"Agreement by Congress will require focused and robust discussion but I have identified eleven principles I believe can be the foundation of a bipartisan solution. Next Wednesday will be an opportunity to discuss and gather input from experts on ways Congress can focus on a solution that avoids saddling the Internet with an arcane regulatory framework designed for the monopoly phone era."

Eleven principles for bipartisan rules in the Internet Age:

• Prohibit blocking
• Prohibit throttling
• Prohibit paid prioritization
• Require transparency
• Apply rules to both wireline and wireless
• Allow for reasonable network management
• Allow for specialized services
• Protect consumer choice
• Classify broadband Internet access as an information service under the Communications Act
• Clarify that Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act may not be used as a grant of regulatory authority
• Direct the FCC to enforce and abide by these principles

 
Hearing Details:

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Hearing entitled: “Protecting the Internet and Consumers through Congressional Action”

2:30 p.m. in room SR-253

Witnesses to be announced.

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