WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt strong Net Neutrality rules:

“An open Internet is so important to the future of this country. It’s the equivalent of this century’s interstate highway system, connecting people and delivering information and data to new places faster than ever before,” Senator King said. “But erecting toll booths or designating fast lanes would set that back by stifling free speech, limiting consumer choice, and thwarting the type of innovation that drives economic growth. The Internet can and should be a powerful, open platform that gives everyone – not just the highest-bidder – the opportunity to freely exchange goods and ideas. I’m proud the President joined us today, and I look forward to fighting beside him and others to ensure that the Internet remains open and available for the next generation of American entrepreneurs and citizens.”

In September, Senator King urged the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a letter to implement “strong and unambiguous” rules under Title II with appropriate forbearance that will guarantee regulatory certainty and open and equal access to the Internet for everyone.

On May 15, 2014, the FCC proposed rules that would permit Internet service providers “substantial room” for “discrimination” online, undermining the Internet’s founding principle and limiting equal market access for startups, small businesses, and individuals.

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