On the recordDecember 12, 2017
This Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on their Restoring Internet Freedom proposal, to revisit the FCC's previous open internet order of 2015. Over the past few weeks, I have received thousands of calls and emails from my constituents expressing their support for net neutrality and for an open and free internet. I have personally read every single one of these emails, conducted townhall meetings, and listened to the phone calls. Today, I would like to share my views on this critical issue. Many in this Chamber may not know that Utah is currently experiencing somewhat of a technical startup phenomenon. My district is known as one of the best places in the United States to start a business. I recognize that the great success that we have been able to achieve in Utah and throughout the U.S. is largely due to the progress and advance of the internet. This is the most important technological advancement of our time, and the internet has become the backbone of our economy. I believe the internet is successful despite government, not because of government. Because the internet has been open and free, we have seen exciting innovation and progress that was previously unimaginable. Like so many of my constituents and colleagues in Congress, I support the principles of net neutrality and am opposed to any blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization of the internet.…
