The House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet was prepared to vote on the Resolution of Disapproval introduced by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) which would have stripped FCC regulations on network neutrality of all force. However, key Democrats felt a matter of such importance deserved a hearing, and the vote was put off.
Walden was working alongside his full committee leader, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI).
Their opposite numbers, Anna Eshoo (D-CA) for Walden and Henry Waxman (D-CA) for Upton, objected to what they saw as a breach of order. They said that there were many companies who felt the issue was critical to their businesses and that the issue deserved a full hearing.
“You apparently believe that disapproving the FCC regulation will promote economic growth,” the duo wrote in a letter to Upton and Walden. “There are, however, many fast-growing companies that take a different position and believe approval of the disapproval resolution would be a serious threat to our economy. Members should have the opportunity to hear their perspective before voting on the resolution.”
The vote was indeed postponed, and has not as yet been rescheduled.
Eshoo commented, “I’m pleased the chairman has agreed to my request for regular order and a hearing. The open Internet is a vital part of our economy, and millions of jobs have been created along with thousands of new, innovative businesses because of it,” said Eshoo, ranking member of the Communications subcommittee.”
