Key Lawmarker Backs FCC On Net Neutrality Rollback

Marsha Blackburn

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn is lauding the Federal Communications Commission for starting to roll back federal rules that govern high-speed internet providers, according to The Tennessean.

Appearing on C-SPAN, the Brentwood Republican said she views the FCC’s vote nearly two weeks ago to undo so-called "net neutrality" rules as “a positive step in the right direction.”

The FCC’s new chairman, Ajit Pai “is going to do a wonderful job,” Blackburn said. “He is focused on closing the digital divide and extension of broadband and making certain that the internet is an open source and is not going to be under heavy government control. I think those are good steps, good things.”

Blackburn, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, also said legislation she filed two weeks ago would give internet users more control over how their personal information is handled online.

The BROWSER Act, or the Balancing the Rights of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibly Act, would require companies such as AT&T and Comcast, as well as Facebook and Google, to get users' permission before selling their internet browser history.

Blackburn’s bill would reinstate the rules, but would expand them to include websites such as Facebook and Google. It also would put the Federal Trade Commission, not the FCC, in charge of enforcing the rules.