Washington, D.C. – Today, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communication and Technology hearing on “Network Neutrality and Internet Regulation: Warranted or More Economic Harm than Good”:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I commend you for carrying on the Committee’s long tradition of fair and measured oversight.  I would also like to welcome our witnesses this morning, especially Chairman Genachowski.  I am confident he and his fellow commissioners will answer my questions and those of my colleagues with unequivocal candor and keen insight.

“I understand my Republican colleagues intend to use this hearing to lay the groundwork for a resolution to nullify the Commission’s recently adopted Open Internet order.  While I agree with them that the Commission lacks the statutory authority with which to regulate broadband Internet access services, the fact remains that the order has been finalized, and its future now resides within the purview of the courts. 

“I respectfully suggest we not re-litigate the past and instead focus our attention on matters pending the Commission’s consideration which have the potential to expand our country’s communications infrastructure, enhance U.S. competitiveness, and, most importantly, create jobs.  Chief among these matters are reform of the Universal Service Fund and spectrum policy.

“I look forward to Chairman Genachowski’s and his fellow commissioners’ responses to my questions.  I also hope they will affirm anew that the Congress is, as I have said so many times, the sole progenitor of the Commission’s authority and commit to working with this Committee in advancing that agency’s most important work.

“I thank you for your courtesy, Mr. Chairman, and yield the balance of my time.”

Congressman Dingell has for years been a lead advocate in Congressional hearings with the FCC to ensure their practices are helpful to the advancement and safety of information technology and enhancement of communication innovation in the United States.

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