The Des Moines Register - Net Neutrality: Iowa's Congressional Delegation Reacts

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By Matthew Patane

Iowa's congressional delegation appears split on whether the federal officials made the right call to treat the Internet like a public utility.

The Federal Communications Commission voted along party lines -- Democrats in favor, Republicans against -- Thursday to reclassify the Internet. The move gives the FCC more regulatory oversight over companies that provide Internet service.

Those providers criticized the move, saying more regulation will lead to higher costs and less investment in the nation's broadband infrastructure.

Technology companies and startups hailed the move, however, as a win for innovation and the idea of an open Internet, otherwise known as net neutrality. That premise revolves around the idea that all content online should be treated equally in terms of how fast it is sent and how much Internet providers charge to send it.

The Register asked each of Iowa's U.S. representatives and U.S. senators their stance on the FCC ruling. Here are there answers, provided by spokespeople via email. Some responses have been edited for size:

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, Republican

"This is a drastic shift from the hands-off approach the government has taken toward the Internet since the Clinton Administration. These new rules also would apply to the mobile broadband marketplace, potentially laying the groundwork for a lot of additional regulations there as well. ...

It might be time for a clear statement from Congress tailoring the FCC's authority to narrow, targeted concerns that could protect consumers from potential abuses while ensuring marketplace certainty."

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, Republican

"Sen. Ernst opposes (the FCC vote). Sen. Ernst believes that the FCC's actions on net neutrality will make Internet service for Iowans -- and folks all across this country -- more expensive, less competitive and less innovative. At the very time we should be working to reduce government's over regulation, we should not be creating unnecessary and antiquated regulatory constraints or expanding their already powerful role in the lives of Americans."

U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, Democrat

"I agree with many of the principles laid out (Thursday) morning by the FCC and Chairman (Tom) Wheeler. While there will no doubt be additional steps in the court and in Congress, it represents a critical step in the fight to ensure the Internet remains open and free for all users. ...

"Specifically, I am committed to ensuring that content is prevented from being blocked, that Internet 'fast lanes' are not instituted, that greater transparency is provided to users and that content cannot be 'throttled' or slowed down based on whether the content is affiliated with any particular Internet service provider."

U.S. Rep. David Young, Republican

"The Internet should not be regulated as a public utility, the Internet should be free and open ... The process that delivered this decision (Thursday) lacked an open and transparent process and was made behind closed doors by three unelected bureaucrats. This is another failed example of a federal government thinking they know what's best but completely missing."

The offices of U.S. Reps. Steve King and Rod Blum, both Republicans, did not immediately respond for comment.

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