Protect consumers by ensuring Internet freedom

[Commentary] The Internet, arguably the fastest world-changing invention since the Gutenberg printing press, has become the core of our social and business lives. However, the openness and freedom that lie at the heart of the Internet's success is under threat. Without addressing the open Internet rules, Internet service providers will become the arbitrators of the Internet. They will decide what you can and cannot access. This is not a new fight for me. From my first years in Congress I have fought the scourge of media consolidation and was one of the first sponsors of Network Neutrality legislation. Now as then, and as a co-sponsor of HR 3459, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act, I am committed to working with the FCC and my colleagues in Congress to pass legislation that would give the power of choice to consumers by enabling the FCC to regulate broadband providers to keep the pipes of information flowing freely. Like any good marketplace, rules must be in place to allow fair play and we can't let the refs be pulled from the field.