Blackburn introduces bill to block net neutrality

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation today to block the FCC from implementing net neutrality regulations, saying in a press release that the FCC's proposals "ironically would make the Internet less neutral by allowing the FCC to regulate it in the same way it regulates radio and television broadcasts."

Blackburn last week likened net neutrality regulations to a fairness doctrine for the Internet. She says government intervention would get in the way of the industry’s ability to protect intellectual property online and reduce piracy.

The bill is the House equivalent of the bill introduced last week by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).  Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said she is open to introducing legislation that would also block the FCC's regulations, though she will wait to do so until she has thoroughly reviewed the notice of proposed rulemaking the FCC unanimously approved last Thursday.

In her press release, Blackburn said: “The internet is the last truly open public marketplace. Its openness is the key to its efficiency and success. Not all public spaces need to be regulated spaces. Indeed, federal regulation has a long history of making the market less efficient. The FCC has plenty on its plate with the regulation of television and radio; let’s not add to their workload by giving them authority over the Internet.”