Senate GOP seeks cost-benefit analysis of network neutrality

Eleven Republican Senators wrote to the Federal Communications Commission requesting a cost-benefit analysis of the agency's network neutrality rules, arguing such a review would be in the spirit of President Barack Obama's push to reduce burdensome regulations.

The Senators, led by Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), cited President Obama's July memorandum instructing the independent agencies to join executive agencies in eliminating outdated or burdensome regulations. They suggested the FCC's vote on net neutrality might have turned out differently if the memo had come out earlier.

"We believe that had these Executive Orders been implemented before net neutrality rules were approved by a vote of 3-2 by the FCC on December 21, 2010, the Commission would have made a more informed decision," the Republican senators wrote. "Therefore, we respectfully request that before net neutrality rules go into effect, you honor the intent of the President's Executive Order by applying a retrospective review towards the net neutrality order and pursuing a cost benefit analysis."