Political Quotes

“a bedrock principle of the Internet is that consumers should be able to access the lawful Internet content of their choice without service providers discriminating based on the source of the content. This has allowed the online marketplace to evolve into the vibrant and competitive system that we are all accustomed to today. Last December, the Federal Communications Commission took action to promulgate ``network neutrality'' rules, which are set to go into effect later this month. These are rules that will create transparency and foster competition. I oppose the resolution being considered by the Senate today that disapproves of the Commission's actions in this area. Many Americans have either no choice or a limited choice of broadband service providers. This is particularly true in rural areas like Vermont. This lack of competition in the market raises the threat of providers discriminating against certain lawful Web sites and Internet content. Net neutrality rules are crucial in ensuring that the Internet remains the ultimate free marketplace of ideas, where better products or services succeed on their own merits and not based on special financial relationships with providers. Congress and the executive branch must take steps to ensure that competition on the Internet is vibrant. This has taken on new importance as the Internet has become increasingly central to our lives.…”