Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, later today the Federal Communications Commission is expected to approve new rules on how Americans access information on the Internet. There are a lot of people rightly concerned. The Internet has transformed our society, our economy, and the very way we communicate with others. It has served as a remarkable platform for innovation at the end of the 20th century and now at the beginning of the 21st century. All of this has been made possible because people have been free to create and to innovate, to push the limits of invention free from government involvement.

Now that could soon change. Today, the Obama administration, which has already nationalized health care, the auto industry, insurance companies, banks, and student loans, will move forward with what could be a first step in controlling how Americans use the Internet by establishing Federal regulations on its use. This would harm investment, stifle innovation, and lead to job losses. That is why I, along with several of my colleagues, have urged the FCC Chairman to abandon this flawed approach. The Internet is an invaluable resource. It should be left alone.

As Americans become more aware of what is happening here, I suspect many will be as alarmed as I am at the government's intrusion. They will wonder, as many already do, if this is a Trojan horse for further meddling by the government. Fortunately, we will have an opportunity in the new Congress to push back against new rules and regulations.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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