WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said she was pleased the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled today to vacate the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 2008 decision asserting jurisdiction over Internet usage and the network management practices of private communications providers.

“This decision highlights what many already believed, the FCC does not have authority to act in this area,” said Senator Hutchison.  “In light of this important court decision, policy makers should assess whether there should be any regulatory role for the agency as it relates to the Internet and how private companies manage their investment.  It would be wrong to double down on excessive and burdensome regulations, and I hope the FCC Chairman will now reconsider his decision to pursue expanded commission authority over broadband services in current proceedings before the agency.  The Internet has grown and flourished without federal regulations because it has been able to evolve to meet rapid changes without government roadblocks holding up progress.”

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