Yvette Clarke: “I thank our ranking member, Ms. Eshoo, and the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose H.R. 2666, the No Rate…”

“I thank our ranking member, Ms. Eshoo, and the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose H.R. 2666, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which would prohibit the FCC from regulating rates for broadband Internet access. I agree with the premise behind the bill. The Commission should not be setting rates for broadband access. In fact, we have heard from FCC Chairman Wheeler. He has stated several times that he does not intend to set rates. Like millions of Americans who made their voices heard last year, I support a free and open Internet. I do not believe the FCC needs to get into the business of regulating consumer broadband rates. H.R. 2666, however, is overbroad and far-reaching. The unintended consequences of the bill before us would undermine important consumer protections and would threaten a free and open Internet. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill before us today.”