In front of Congress today, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski defended his agencies December decision to pass the first-ever government regulation rule on the Internet. The policy titled "Network Neutrality" requires Internet providers to allow content providers equal access to networks.
Several Republicans from the a House Communications and Internet Subcommittee questioned the FCC commissioners today on what the new proposal means for innovation and competition. Genachowski, alongside four members of the FCC, responded that the new order is "pro-job and pro-investment" for the economy.
Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) filed an amendment yesterday that bars the FCC from using any allotted funds to implement the network neutrality rule. Walden also expressed concern that the FCC's mandate could extend pass this ruling and "would allow the FCC to regulate any matter it discussed in the national broadband plan."
House Committee members also questioned FCC Commissioners Michael Copps, Robert McDowell, Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Attwell Baker.