BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise in support of S.J. Res. 6, which seeks to put an end to the FCC's misguided net neutrality rules. The FCC's rules regulating the Internet are yet another in a series of unnecessary and economically harmful regulations from President Obama's administration. These rules will stifle innovation, investment, and ultimately jobs, and they are a continuation of this administration's obsession with picking winners and losers in almost every marketplace.
We live in a world where we no longer have to wait for the morning edition of the paper to read the latest news. We don't have to wait for a delivery from the postman to get a message from a loved one. We do not have to get in our car and head to the store to watch a movie or to shop for clothes, books, and groceries. We have the ability to do these from the comfort of our homes, thanks to the Internet. It is clear the Internet has changed the way we live. This helps promote and encourage economic growth, facilitates innovation, and reshapes the way we do business, all the while creating millions of jobs. This was able to happen because of the government's hands-off policy.
The Federal Communications Commission admits the ``Internet has thrived because of its freedom and openness.'' Then why is this agency taking steps to limit the openness and freedom of the Internet?
Last December, the FCC voted to impose net neutrality rules to regulate the Internet. This is nothing more than the government interfering and threatening small providers and forcing networks to operate services in ways determined by unelected bureaucrats.
What is worse is the FCC is working to fix a problem it acknowledges does not exist. The agency is relying on speculation of future harm. This attack on the Internet is irresponsible and is irresponsible governing. While our economy struggles, the Internet remains a beacon of light that continues to grow, but this rule risks stifling innovation and investment in jobs.
A study by a telecom economist with the Brattle Group found that the net neutrality rules could lead to a job loss of 340,000 in the broadband industry within the next 10 years. This is not the type of policy we need to adopt, especially as our country stares at 9 percent unemployment. That is why I am supporting S.J. Res. 6, which will put a stop to the FCC's misguided net neutrality rules.
I yield the floor.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
http://thomas.loc.gov
