Posted on 01/16/2015 2:50:10 AM PST by raybbr
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday said legislation was not necessary to settle so-called "net neutrality" rules because the Federal Communications Commission had the authority to write them.
Republicans in Congress are trying to drum up support for a bill that would counter the FCC's upcoming new rules. The Obama administration's comments, while not entirely rebuffing the legislative effort, could make some Democrats wary of joining it.
"In terms of legislation, we don’t believe it’s necessary given that the FCC has the authorities that it needs under Title II," a White House official told Reuters. "However, we always remain open to working with anyone who shares the president's goal of fully preserving a free and open internet now and into the future."
At stake is what rules should govern how Internet service providers (ISPs) manage web traffic on their networks to ensure they treat all Internet content fairly. At the heart of the latest phase in the debate over the rules is what legal authority should guide regulations.
Obama has urged the FCC to regulate ISPs more strictly under a section of communications law known as Title II, which would treat them more like public utilities. Broadband companies adamantly oppose the plan, saying the added regulatory burden would reduce investment and stifle innovation.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Please, dear God, someone have the courage to impeach this bastard.
Impeachment won’t happen. Litigation might.
Where is the lawsuit Boehner was supposed to be filing ?...
Exactly. Bunch of cowards. Or Congress has been bought off.
“However, we always remain open to working with anyone who shares the president’s goal of fully preserving a free and open internet now and into the future.
You are a monster if you do not agree with 0bama!
Yeah, heard that before, many times.
The Internet, even with all the hacking problems, etc., is the best thing to happen to society in a long time.
Only the US Government could screw it up.
Congress has unquestionable authority and veto power over the FCC, as it does all its many creatures. These creatures were never meant to create an excuse for inaction, for lack of oversight and veto.
The Executive is the least powerful influence over this alphabet agency. Otherwise this administration would simply "act," with its "phone and pen," etc.
Don't let anyone, especially Congress, fool you into thinking the FCC has any blanket authority. It is Congress by other means, and Congress can quash any action such an agency takes with a simple majority vote.
I have been trying to point this out to people for years, that Congress can override any Government Agency on whatever they desire. Blank Stare?
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