Upton and Chaffetz Statement on Chairman Wheeler’s Refusal to Testify

“So long as the chairman continues to insist on secrecy, we will continue calling for more transparency and accountability at the commission.”

WASHINGTON, DC – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), and Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) made the following statement about FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s decision not to testify before Congress ahead of the commission’s Thursday vote on sweeping new regulation of the Internet:

“We are deeply disappointed in Chairman Wheeler’s decision. As Chairman Wheeler pushes forward with plans to regulate the Internet, he still refuses to directly answer growing concerns about how the rules were developed, how they are structured, and how they will stand up to judicial scrutiny. After hearing from over four million Americans on such an important topic to our economic and cultural future, it’s striking that when Congress seeks transparency, Chairman Wheeler opts against it. The last time a rule of this magnitude was voted on by the FCC, then-Senator Obama was motivated to call for transparency at the commission. We continue that call today.”

“Reports as late as Tuesday suggest that changes in the proposed rules are still possible, with just hours left on the clock before the commission votes. So long as the chairman continues to insist on secrecy, we will continue calling for more transparency and accountability at the commission. Chairman Wheeler and the FCC are not above Congress. This fight continues as the future of the Internet is at stake.”

In light of Chairman Wheeler’s refusal to testify the Oversight and Government Reform Committee will postpone its scheduled hearing today at 2:00 p.m.

The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing on “The Uncertain Future of the Internet” at 10:30 a.m. today. More here.