Dear matthew,
Thank you for contacting me about net neutrality regulations promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). I appreciate knowing your thoughts on this issue.

On November 22, 2017, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai released his proposal to repeal harmful regulations imposed on broadband providers and Internet traffic. Better known as net neutrality, these regulations, which were promulgated by the Obama FCC in June 2015, reclassified broadband Internet as a telecommunications service, similar to wireline telephone utilities, under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1934. These regulations also transferred consumer protection authority from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the FCC, vesting the agency with unprecedented enforcement powers. The FCC approved the Chairman's proposal by a 3-2 vote during its Open Meeting on December 14, 2017. It is also important to note that Chairman Pai's decision to publicly release the net neutrality proposal before a Commission vote breaks from past behavior of withholding FCC proposals from public review until after the Commission had approved a measure.

Like many Americans, I support an Internet free from government control. While I understand the concerns expressed by those who support net neutrality regulations, I believe that such federal mandates would unduly inhibit this industry's investment in new technology and job creation. Moreover, the Internet and online content thrived in the United States long before the 2015 regulations, and the FCC and FTC chairmen have pledged to protect consumers and promote competition, to ensure that the Internet will remain a powerful catalyst for job creation and growth

I am encouraged by Chairman Pai's work to keep our Internet free from greater government control, and I support the FCC's effort to increase transparency and public participation in the rulemaking process. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind should this issue come before the Senate.

Thank you again for your correspondence. Do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,


Pat Toomey
U.S. Senator, Pennsylvania