VIDEO: Rep. Gabbard Calls on FCC to Uphold Net Neutrality Protections

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawai‘i-02) urged the Federal Communications Commission on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, to reject corporate-led efforts to unravel open, fair and equal Internet access and to listen to the voices of the majority of Americans that support current protections on net neutrality.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Federal Communications Commission will make a final decision on net neutrality.

The Federal Communications Commission plans to dismantle landmark regulations that ensure equal access to the internet, clearing the way for internet service companies to charge users more to see certain content and to limit access to some websites.

Congresswoman Gabbard said:

“In three days, the Internet as we know it could change forever. On Dec. 14, the FCC will be taking a vote on whether or not to get rid of net neutrality protections that keep the Internet open, fair and equal for everyone.

“Repealing these protections will allow Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T to control the levers of the Internet—stifling access, deciding the websites you and I can visit and use, and making it impossible for small businesses to compete against industry giants. It will hurt our students, entrepreneurs, working families, and all who rely on the Internet for things like education, healthcare, and employment as a level playing field of opportunity.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

“The FCC must protect the people it’s supposed to be serving—not big, corporate interests—and make sure the Internet remains a place where everyone has a seat at the table.”

Rep. Gabbard has long supported net neutrality, and has cosponsored legislation to prohibit multi-tiered pricing agreements between ISPs and content providers. She has voted against legislative efforts to undermine net neutrality, called on the FCC to maintain net neutrality rules, and urged the American people to voice their opinions during the FCC comment period.