Dear Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Walden:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the principles of net neutrality but opposes H.R. 1644, the “Save the Internet Act.”
Congress should focus on bipartisan legislation that codifies net neutrality protections while imposing a balanced regulatory environment that does not regulate the Internet like a Depression-era public utility. Permanent net neutrality policy should be decided by regular order and meaningful debate in Congress about solutions.
H.R. 1644 as currently drafted would implement the opposite approach, locking in place the 2015 decision of three FCC Commissioners to regulate broadband like a public utility. There are several proposals, currently introduced in the House of Representatives, that include substantive suggestions to address net neutrality. The Chamber recommends that Congress use these bills to start meaningful bipartisan dialogue about broadband regulation.
We urge your colleagues in both the House of Representatives and Senate to work together to bring long-term clarity and certainty to the regulatory framework that guides broadband, which will be critical to connecting all Americans and spurring the innovation necessary for economic growth.
Sincerely,
Neil Bradley
cc: Members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
