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 Communications and Technology hearing  and markup of H.JRes.37, which disapproves the Federal Communications Commission’s December 21, 2010, Open Internet Order:

“Mr. Chairman, I wish to express my very respectful opposition to House Joint Resolution 37.  While I share your belief that the legal reasoning for the Federal Communications Commission’s recent Open Internet Order is flawed, I believe the proper place to review this Order is the courts, not the Congress.  Indeed, I am disposed to take a dim view in general of  measures originating under the 1996 Congressional Review Act, the passage of which I opposed and which I still consider a poorly drafted and confusing law.

“I wish further to add that our consideration of this resolution is an exercise in futility.  It is a foregone conclusion that the other body will not pass it, and the President certainly will not sign it.  If the Chairman would like to engage in substantive efforts to examine and address, if necessary, other salient issues related to the FCC’s authorities and processes, I would be happy to join him.  Such efforts would be far more productive than our current endeavor.

“Bringing certainty to the Internet ecosystem will help spur innovation and growth in communications infrastructure, thereby creating sorely needed jobs.  In brief, we should forego political subterfuge for the safe of tangible accomplishments for our constituents’ benefit.

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

Congressman Dingell has for years supported the principles of network neutrality.  At the same time, he disagrees that the Federal Communications Commission has explicit authority under statute to implement such principles.  Congressman Dingell continues to fight in the 112th Congress to resolve this matter with the goals of protecting consumers and promoting innovation, investment, and job creation.

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