Is GOP all Bark on Network Neutrality?

Former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael Powell suggested the volume of Republican opposition to network neutrality might be related to the fierce battle for the House Commerce chairmanship.

And outgoing House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA) said Republicans are unlikely to put a priority on dismantling net-neutrality rules if the affected companies say they can live with the regulations. "If it is under Title I [of the Communications Act] and the broadband providers support it, I would have doubts that there would be a legislative effort to undo it," Chairman Boucher said. "There wouldn't be a constituency."

Bruce Mehlman, co-chairman of the pro-industry group Internet Innovation Alliance, said, "I don't believe the new majority is going to undo a deal the majority of investors and carriers have said they can live with."

But Rep Joe Barton, one of the men aiming to be the next House Commerce Committee chairman, said, "We represent the American people, not companies, and our constituents don't want the FCC grabbing authority over an Internet that has succeeded precisely because it remains free of government intrusion."