Statement by U.S. Representative Diana DeGette on Her Vote Against the COPE Act

Statement by U.S. Representative Diana DeGette on Her Vote Against the COPE Act

Bill endangers open nature of Internet

U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) released the following statement regarding opposition to her vote against H.R.5252 the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement (COPE) Act.

"You know there's trouble whenever the Republicans make us vote on a bill in the dead of night, and last night was no different.

"I voted against the COPE Act in large part because it did not include a strong Net neutrality provision. Without strong Net neutrality, this bill endangers the open nature of the Internet, and would fundamentally change the way the internet works. If this bill becomes law a two-tiered Internet might soon become a reality.

"Further, this bill has takes away the power of state and local governments to negotiate cable franchises without providing a means to ensure that all consumers will enjoy cable competition. State and local governments are better equipped to manage the local issues involved in the franchise process than the Federal Communications Commission, and can be more responsive to consumer complaints than a big agency in Washington D.C.

"Future generations will look at the passage of this bill as the beginning of the end of equal access to the Internet."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/co01_degette/net.html