| Senator Deb Fischer |
Here in Nebraska, and across the nation, modern technology is constantly developing and improving. These advancements have allowed us to get information faster, stay connected with each other, learn new things, and make better decisions. We are fortunate to live in a country that is the global leader in innovation. But as we think about all of the cutting-edge tools at our disposal, we should consider America’s future potential and how we can create an environment that continues to innovate and grow.
We have an exciting chance to blaze a trail forward, but we need to make sure we are making thoughtful choices to seize the full potential of this opportunity. So much of that potential depends on the policy frameworks we adopt.
Nebraskans are familiar with the importance of expanding access to broadband services. It’s no secret that our citizens depend on the Internet for business, education, news, and so many other critical purposes. During my time in the Nebraska Legislature, I worked diligently to craft policies that have had a positive impact across our state. We’ve made great progress in connecting Nebraskans, but there are still many more waiting in rural America.
As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, one of my top priorities remains improving local access to broadband. I am also committed to advancing common-sense proposals that will grow jobs and help put American innovators ahead. Unfortunately, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to pursue policies that send businesses the wrong signals, interfere in local affairs, and fail to prioritize the best improvements to telecom networks across the country. The FCC should move through its rule-making process in a transparent fashion. This will enable Congress to play an active role in oversight to ensure that any proposed regulations do not place unnecessary or obsolete burdens on businesses and middle-class families.
I was deeply troubled by President Obama’s recent call for a federal takeover of the Internet. During an appearance in Cedar Falls, Iowa, last month the president touted a plan to nationalize the Internet and strip away states’ rights in order to set federal broadband policies. While the federal government does have a significant role to play in connecting Americans, antiquated regulations from Washington just do not make sense. By micromanaging broadband policy, the president’s plan would create uncertainties that will hinder the growth of both businesses and innovation in Nebraska.
As we’ve seen firsthand in Nebraska, states are fully capable of making policy decisions on their own. In fact, our state and local officials are well-equipped to make their own broadband policies because they have the best understanding of their own networks and challenges. Instead of a federal takeover of broadband, Congress and the Obama administration should work together to identify opportunities where we can modernize regulatory frameworks and foster competition to drive costs down and promote innovation.
I will continue my efforts to reign in outdated Washington-centric regulations and advance policies that keep our country connected and at the forefront of technological advancement. I hope you will join me in this effort and continue to make your voice heard.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
Nebraskans are familiar with the importance of expanding access to broadband services. It’s no secret that our citizens depend on the Internet for business, education, news, and so many other critical purposes. During my time in the Nebraska Legislature, I worked diligently to craft policies that have had a positive impact across our state. We’ve made great progress in connecting Nebraskans, but there are still many more waiting in rural America.
As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, one of my top priorities remains improving local access to broadband. I am also committed to advancing common-sense proposals that will grow jobs and help put American innovators ahead. Unfortunately, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to pursue policies that send businesses the wrong signals, interfere in local affairs, and fail to prioritize the best improvements to telecom networks across the country. The FCC should move through its rule-making process in a transparent fashion. This will enable Congress to play an active role in oversight to ensure that any proposed regulations do not place unnecessary or obsolete burdens on businesses and middle-class families.
I was deeply troubled by President Obama’s recent call for a federal takeover of the Internet. During an appearance in Cedar Falls, Iowa, last month the president touted a plan to nationalize the Internet and strip away states’ rights in order to set federal broadband policies. While the federal government does have a significant role to play in connecting Americans, antiquated regulations from Washington just do not make sense. By micromanaging broadband policy, the president’s plan would create uncertainties that will hinder the growth of both businesses and innovation in Nebraska.
As we’ve seen firsthand in Nebraska, states are fully capable of making policy decisions on their own. In fact, our state and local officials are well-equipped to make their own broadband policies because they have the best understanding of their own networks and challenges. Instead of a federal takeover of broadband, Congress and the Obama administration should work together to identify opportunities where we can modernize regulatory frameworks and foster competition to drive costs down and promote innovation.
I will continue my efforts to reign in outdated Washington-centric regulations and advance policies that keep our country connected and at the forefront of technological advancement. I hope you will join me in this effort and continue to make your voice heard.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
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