Sen. Cruz: Congress, not an Unelected Commission, Should Lead on Modernizing Telecommunications Laws

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released the following statement regarding legislation he is drafting to prevent the Federal Communications Commission from expanding its authority over the Internet:

"The FCC's latest adventure in 'net neutrality' would stifle innovation and subject the Internet to nanny-state regulation from Washington.  Internet freedom has produced robust free speech for billions and a wide-open incubator for entrepreneurs to generate jobs and expand opportunity.  A 5-member panel at the FCC should not be dictating how Internet services will be provided to millions of Americans. I will be introducing legislation that would remove the claimed authority for the FCC to take such actions, specifically the Commission's nebulous Sec. 706 authority. More than $1 trillion has already been invested in broadband infrastructure, which has led to an explosion of new content, applications, and Internet accessibility. Congress, not an unelected commission, should take the lead on modernizing our telecommunications laws. The FCC should not endanger future investments by stifling growth in the online sector, which remains a much-needed bright spot in our struggling economy."

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