Rep. Waxman backs FCC reclassification as legislative effort breaks down

[babylonsister]

Rep. Waxman backs FCC reclassification as legislative effort breaks down
By Sara Jerome - 09/29/10 07:19 PM ET


In a dramatic move, Rep. Henry Waxman on Wednesday said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should use its power to regulate Internet service providers.

Waxman’s (D-Calif.) decision, which came after Republicans said they could not support legislation he was drafting, could change the debate over a cornerstone of President Obama’s policies on technology and the Internet.

The move by the powerful chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee gives political cover to the FCC to move forward with “reclassification” of Internet services, which could place cable- and telephone-company broadband businesses under certain telephone strictures.

Waxman has not previously endorsed action by the FCC, but on Wednesday said the agency should move forward absent bipartisan agreement on legislation.

“If our efforts to find bipartisan consensus fail, the FCC should move forward,” he said. “The bottom line is that we must protect the open Internet. If Congress can’t act, the FCC must.”

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http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/121745-waxman-backs-fcc-reclassification-as-legislative-effort-breaks-down

[kristopher]

1. Very important development - thanks for sharing. K&R

[gkhouston]

2. K&R. n/t