House Commerce Republicans Oppose Return of 'Stringent' FCC Net Neutrality Rules

its rescinded 2015 net neutrality rules once President Joe Biden names a third Democratic commissioner (see 2101060055). Congressional Democrats are eyeing legislative options to restore the 2015 rules or require the FCC to go even further (see 2103300001). Commerce ranking member Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and the committee’s other GOP members invoked the recent start of enforcement of California’s net neutrality law, as expected. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ review on whether California’s law negatively affects VA partnerships with wireless carriers, which help veterans “with limited data plans connect with their healthcare services” (see 2103250027), is a sign of “the negative effects that burdensome utility-style regulations would have on American consumers,” the Republicans said in a letter to Rosenworcel. California’s law “declares unlawful the zero-rating of Internet applications under certain circumstances. What those circumstances are, however, is far from clear under the law -- which nonetheless threatens violators with state [attorney general] enforcement, private rights of action and potential fines.” The Republicans believe “we must avoid state-by-state regulation as well, which would increase burdens and introduce inconsistencies that ultimately would jeopardize further investment and innovation, and in turn harm consumers. Our current regulatory environment was proven successful as our broadband networks excelled under unprecedented pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The other Republicans signing the letter include House Communications Subcommittee ranking member Bob Latta of Ohio and Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana. The FCC didn’t comment.