Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the importance of the issue of Net neutrality and the importance of it to our innovation economy. The Internet is a $638 billion economic force, and according to the McKinsey Global Institute, it supports millions of jobs across our Nation. Setting the right policy for the Internet is critical for the continuation of American job creation in an innovation economy. Over the next 24 hours, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is expected to announce strong Net neutrality standards to support the growth of this innovation economy. According to news reports, the FCC will establish clear rules of the road to ensure that no content is blocked and that the Internet cannot be divided into fast and slow lanes. This announcement would set a clear framework for the innovation economy and the millions of jobs that depend on it across our Nation. It would make a game-changing milestone for American innovators and consumers because a comprehensive plan would protect consumers while still allowing for flexibility of business growth and investment and making sure that American consumers and innovators are protected. The Commission is expected to vote on this rule later this month, and I hope that all of our colleagues will be paying attention to this decision because this decision is not just whether I can download or use Netflix, it is really about equal access to the marketplace. It is about how the future success of these innovators are determined.…
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