Net Neutrality Pressures Target House Democrats

[Commentary] Just how possible is Network Neutrality legislation in the 11th Congress? Newly elected House Committee Chairman Henry Waxman has been a proponent, but he represents Hollywood, Hollywood has been generous to Waxman's campaigns, and Waxman's support for Net Neutrality came before Dan Glickman, president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), launched his industry's broadside against Net Neutrality earlier this year. One question now is whether Waxman will follow Glickman's lead, or try to work out some accommodation with Hollywood over Net Neutrality. It would make his job easier if MPAA members backed away from Glickman's opposition, realizing that the studios would benefit from a free and open Internet. Perhaps they will see that wisdom in the coming months. Or perhaps Waxman will simply ignore Hollywood and do what's right. And don't let a Democratic majority fool you into thinking legislation will easily be passed: Reps Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX), Gene Green (D-TX), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), John Barrow (D-GA), Ed Towns (D-NY), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Bart Stupak (D-MI) have all opposed Network Neutrality.