Rep Cantor slams network neutrality as example of 'imperial presidency'

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) cited network neutrality regulations as evidence of what he called President Obama's disregard for the legislative process in a report, titled the "Imperial Presidency," which claims that President Barack Obama has eroded the rule of law by imposing regulations without congressional authorization.

"When there is a breakdown in the rule of law, increased uncertainty leads to reduced investment and less growth," Rep Cantor wrote. In his report, Rep Cantor notes that then-chairman of the House Commerce Committee Henry Waxman (D-CA) introduced legislation to provide the Federal Communications Commission with the authority to set network neutrality rules, but the bill was never enacted. "Despite the fact that the legislation was not enacted, the FCC proceeded anyway with new net neutrality rules," Rep Cantor wrote in his report. "Businesses negatively impacted by these new regulations have been forced to go to court once again to defend against regulations that the agency has no authority to issue." He noted that in April, the House passed a resolution to repeal the FCC's order. Rep Cantor said the resolution would overturn "controversial internet rules that stifle small business growth and investment in order to promote freedom and innovation." The measure was defeated in the Senate on a party-line vote.