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WASHINGTON - The Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006, better known as the COPE Act, recently passed in the House 321-101. This was a difficult vote for me, but one that I was ultimately persuaded would benefit consumers by increasing competition and choice. I strongly supported the concept of "net neutrality" which was introduced in an amendment offered by Representative Edward Markey, the ranking Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. The aim of the amendment was to protect and preserve consumers’ access to Internet content and the services of their choice.
I voted for the Markey amendment, which regrettably was defeated (152-269). While the absence of the net neutrality provision was a source of concern for me, I ultimately voted for the COPE Act because the underlying bill still presented the opportunity to foster more competition which in turn would provide greater choice for all consumers and lower cable rates.
I am still in favor of the inclusion of net neutrality protection in this legislation and will do whatever I can to persuade the Senate to include it. I will also seek assurances from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it will enforce existing policies that are designed to maintain an open Internet without legislating new regulations. Consumers are entitled to access the Internet content of their choice as well as to use various services and applications. Moreover, they are entitled to competition among network, application/service, and content providers.
The COPE Act is meant to enhance the FCC's ability to enforce policies that have already successfully encouraged Internet growth and innovation. It allows the Internet to continue to thrive and consumers to continue to benefit in an environment enhanced by greater competition.
In the end, this is what I would like to see for my constituents and all consumers.
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