Washington, D.C. – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today praised members of the House of Representatives for voting “no” last week on so-called “network neutrality” and urged the Senate to do the same. 

“CAGW applauds the House for voting against an unnecessary and burdensome regulation,” CCAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “The ‘net neutrality’ mandate is a solution looking for a problem and is fraught with unintended consequences.  It will harm consumers, stifle innovation, and slow investment.”

The “connectivity principles” created by the High Tech Coalition and adopted by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) have been the underlying force in the unparalleled growth of the Internet since the 1996 Telecom Act.  The market for high-speed broadband Internet services is open to competition without government interference. 

The Senate began hearings last week on “net neutrality.”

“The free market is the best way to expand access to a vibrant and flourishing Internet to every American,” Schatz continued.  “This will help the U.S. maintain its position as a technology leader.  CCAGW encourages the Senate to vote down any net neutrality proposal.  All votes on this legislation will be among those considered for CCAGW’s 2006 Congressional Ratings,” Schatz concluded.  

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.