Dueling Democrats on net neutrality third way proposal

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Former Chairman of the House Communications Subcommittee Ed Markey (D-MA) has teamed up with Anna Eshoo (D-CA) to support FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in his adoption of a “third way” to provide authority to oversee an open internet. But their effort was countered by former Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI), who sent in a letter opposing the approach.


In their joint letter, Markey and Eshoo wrote, “Decisive action is necessary to counter the uncertain regulatory environment caused by the recent Comcast v FCC decision and we believe that your ‘Third Way’ approach represents a tailored, commonsense path forward,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. The FCC’s actions at this critical juncture will help shape the future of America’s telecommunications and technology sectors and create the framework for consumer access to broadband services now and for future generations.”

Dingell expressed his opinion that the approach faced an uncertain future in the courts, and, according to a blogpost from Hillicon Valley, added that it puts “…at risk significant past and future investments, perhaps to the detriment of the Nation’s economic recovery and continued technological leadership.”

RBR-TVBR observation: At one time it looked like there was at least some bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for regulation guaranteeing network neutrality. Now it looks more like Republicans are united against it and are picking up Democratic support. You never know what’s going to happen on the Hill, but it’s looking more and more unlikely that Congress has Genachowski’s back on this one.