Senator Schatz Statement on FCC Adoption of Open Internet Rules

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, issued the following statement following the Federal Communications Commission vote to adopt open internet rules:

“I congratulate Chairman Wheeler and the FCC on a deliberative process which has led to the adoption of open Internet rules tailored for the 21st century.  While I do not yet know all the details of the FCC’s proposal, it is clear that they contain three essential elements: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization.  These critical elements will ensure a level playing field so that a free and open Internet continues to thrive in the future.  I am pleased the FCC has voted to enshrine these principles into formal protections. 

“I will continue to review the details of the rules as they are made available.  If we can find bipartisan consensus that legislation is still necessary to codify robust open Internet rules, I will work with the FCC and my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to ensure that any legislation protects the FCC’s flexible and forward looking authority to prevent future forms of discrimination that could threaten Internet openness.”

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