While almost everyone supports net neutrality in a philosophical sense, there’s a valid debate about whether the FCC should be the one to impose new rules forcing internet service providers to comply. Critics warn that while internet service providers shouldn’t be allowed to effectively censor internet content, giving the government the power to regulate internet traffic is equally dangerous and could lead to it’s own abuses in the future.
Politico reports that House Republican and current Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Joe Barton is threatening the FCC not to proceed on imposing any net neutrality rules which would require internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast to treat all web traffic equally.
Barton and other Republicans vying to replace him as the committee chairman have openly warned FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski against instituting new rules.
“After two years of inaction, the Energy and Commerce Committee will be quite active in fulfilling the oversight responsibilities our Founding Fathers expected.” Barton warned. “The FCC will be prominently featured and Chairman Genachowski will soon be a familiar face on Capitol Hill.”
He added, “I hope that the only turkey cooking next week will be in our kitchens on Thanksgiving and not at the FCC.”
Republicans argue that the power to regulate the industry rest solely with Congress and that any additional regulations will hurt an expanding industry. (See The Washington Post for an in-depth analysis as to whether or not that is actually true)
It should come as no surprise to the more cynical among us that all of the potential future Republican chairmen including Barton have received large campaign donations from companies like Comcast, Verizon and political action committees that represent internet companies.
Contributions from individual companies and PACs, source: OpenSecrets.org
Other Republicans have similar donations. Political action committees or PACs also collect money from corporations and individuals to distribute among candidates. Barton recieved contributions from them as well. This election cycle, Barton recieved $10,000, the maximum contribution for two years.
Contributions from this PAC in 2010, source: CampaignMoney.com
Comcast, Verizon, Quest, ATT and other internet service providers all saw minor stock increases after Republicans won elections earlier this month.
If the FCC does not move forward instituting net neutratlity rules this December, there will probably be no additional movement on the issue in the near future.
Further Reading:
Business Week: AT&T, Comcast May Fend Off Web Rules Under Republicans
Politico: Republicans to FCC: Back off net neutrality
