Brentwood Republican Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn is hoping to gain more support for one of her signature issues—stopping what she sees as ‘government regulation’ of the Internet. The move comes as federal rules for online service providers face a challenge in court.
Two years ago, the Federal Communications Commission issued a set of rules to cable and phone companies, which say they can’t restrict consumer’s access to certain websites or file sharing services. Blackburn says the industry can police itself.
“You don’t want the federal government, home of the dysfunctional Postal Service, regulating the Internet.”
Telecom companies agree. Last month, Verizon filed suit in federal court hoping to get the rules overturned. However, supporters say the FCC oversight is needed, otherwise Internet providers could force consumers to use selected websites and restrict access to others.
Blackburn appeared today at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington alongside Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. Both are hoping for grassroots support for a so-called ‘Declaration of Internet Freedom.’, which says the FCC regulations stifle commerce and free speech. It’s in response to a similar declaration from supporters of the rules.
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