Pelosi Sends Letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Urging Him to Delay Decision to End Net Neutrality Until Public Hearings Are Held
Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Ajit Pai, urging him to delay the decision to dismantle net neutrality until the FCC has held open public hearings across the nation.
As Leader Pelosi writes, "The dismantling of net neutrality is an initiative of significant magnitude, and should not be done without a single public hearing for entrepreneurs, engineers and engaged citizens. … On behalf of concerned Americans everywhere, I urge you to delay the decision to end net neutrality until the FCC has held open, public hearings across the country."
Full text of the letter can be found below:
Mr. Ajit Pai
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, Southwest
Washington, D.C. 20554
Dear Chairman Pai:
Once again, I appreciate the opportunity to submit my comments for the record in the net neutrality proceeding.
Open internet access is the foundation of freedom and innovation in the 21st century. The power of the Internet has always rested in its role as a level playing field where success is founded on the best ideas for the future, not the most powerful incumbents rooted in the past.
The dismantling of net neutrality is an initiative of significant magnitude, and should not be done without a single public hearing for entrepreneurs, engineers and engaged citizens. This week's off-the-record meeting at Verizon's Washington headquarters is especially concerning, as it indicates a choice to meet behind closed doors or at invitation-only conferences instead of listening to the public.
Net neutrality is a bedrock of creating good-paying jobs for the future. Young people recognize that prospect and their views should be appreciated.
I am disappointed that your office ignored my invitation to a public hearing in my San Francisco district to voice my concerns about identity theft and fake comments in the agency record regarding net neutrality. Furthermore, your office has consistently downplayed the New York Attorney General's investigation into this matter and ignored the alarming prospect that your agency's review process may be fraudulent.
On behalf of concerned Americans everywhere, I urge you to delay the decision to end net neutrality until the FCC has held open, public hearings across the country.
Thank you for your consideration of my views and my request.
best regards,
NANCY PELOSI
Democratic Leader
Cc: Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Commissioner Michael O'Reilly
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel
Commissioner Brendan Carr