Blackburn to introduce anti-net neutrality bill

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) plans to introduce a bill to prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from enforcing net-neutrality rules.

She said on an episode of C-SPAN's "The Communicators" on Friday that she will reintroduce her legislation to halt the FCC.

"What you're going to see happen is this," she said. "If the FCC moves forward on Dec 21 … then come January you are going to see some aggressive work making certain the FCC keeps its hands off the the Internet."

"I will refile my legislation … to prohibit the FCC from enacting net-neutrality regulations," she said.

Blackburn, a member of the House Communications subcommittee, also mentioned hearings as a way to push back against the FCC.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski proposed formal net-neutrality rules on Wednesday, pending passage in a commission vote in December. He received support from Democrats and intense opposition from Republicans.

Still, there might be little the Republicans can do to stop Genachowski — it's unclear that Democrats will be enthusiastic to sign onto a Republican bill blocking net neutrality.

One indicator to that effect: Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), who rallied Democrats against strict FCC regulations this year, commended the FCC for moderating its views in its most recent proposal.

Further, President Obama made a campaign promise to support net neutrality, so he might be unlikely to sign such a bill.