Washington, D.C. — This morning, Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO), announced that he will introduce a comprehensive piece of legislation to restore net neutrality. Coffman also announced his support for the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to reverse the FCC’s misguided action from last year that eliminated its Internet nondiscrimination rules known as “net neutrality.” In May, the Senate passed the CRA on a bipartisan basis.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association, an international tech trade association representing a diverse group of tech companies from leading internet services to internet providers, has advocated on internet access and competition issues for over two decades. This includes legal briefs supporting the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld in 2016.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“Net Neutrality has been a critical factor in making the Internet an unparalleled engine of economic growth and innovation. For over two decades, CCIA has fought for an open Internet and strong, enforceable net neutrality rules. However, late last year, the FCC gutted its 2015 Open Internet rules and abdicated its responsibility for ensuring open and equal access.
“We need net neutrality rules to protect and preserve the open Internet. That’s why CCIA is intervening in the court case to appeal the FCC’s misguided action from late last year. Ultimately, Internet users, businesses, nonprofits, and public interest groups need the certainty that they will not be blocked, throttled, or arbitrarily forced to pay extra to access the Internet.
“CCIA applauds the work of Congressman Coffman and his staff in trying to codify these rules. Whether in the courts, on the Hill, or at the FCC, CCIA will continue fighting for net neutrality because strong, enforceable nondiscrimination rules are crucial to the tech industry and so many other businesses across the country.”
For media inquiries, please contact Heather Greenfield hgreenfield@ccianet.org
