House Republican Introduces Bill to Block FCC’s ‘Internet Grab’
by Capitol ConfidentialRep. Marsha Blackburn introduced legislation Wednesday to deny the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory oversight over the Internet, which the Tennessee Republican insisted was the “sole prerogative of Congress” to administer.
“I agree that the Internet faces a number of challenge, ” Blackburn said in a release. “Only Congress can address those challenges without compounding them. Until we do, the FCC and other federal bureaucracies should keep their hands off the ‘net.”
According to Rep. Blackburn’s office, the “Internet Freedom Act” has the support of more than 60 House members, including a majority of GOP’ers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The legislation already has bipartisan support, counting among its endorsers Blue Dog Democrat Dan Boren of Oklahoma.
“The only sector of our economy showing growth is online,” Blackburn said. “In these times, for an unelected bureaucracy with dubious jurisdiction and misplaced motives to unilaterally regulate that growth is intolerable.”
But Blackburn, who filed similar legislation in 2009, said the measure is an “intermediate step” to counter the FCC’s recent adoption of Net neutrality rules. By way of a more immediate enforcement countermeasure, her office says she supports invoking the Congressional Review Act, which empowers legislators to invalidate noxious regulatory frameworks developed by federal agencies.
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“I agree that the Internet faces a number of challenge, ” Blackburn said in a release. “Only Congress can address those challenges without compounding them. Until we do, the FCC and other federal bureaucracies should keep their hands off the ‘net.”—
NO! Only the market can address these issues IF there are any. Stay out. Gov messed up health care and education and energy.
I love it,things are getting done,lets turn back commie Obama/Soros agenda NOW!
Good first start. However, this needs to be handled in the courts again now. The FCC was smacked down once by the courts. It can be done again with consequences. Maybe the judge can get the head of the FCC on contempt.
It sure won't do any good to ask the dept of jerks(DOJ) to do anything with Holder at the helm of a sinking ship headed toward the rocks. He can't find his posterior with both hands and a mirror.
And now it begins
You have to love it
Personally, I think over 50% of all Govt Bureaucracies should be canned. If we canned the IRS and went flat tax, the ammount taken in would probably increase from the loss of all the inneficiencies.
As long as they stick to their guns, I agree.
I'm gonna enjoy this.
While your at it cut the FCC funding or the agency itself!
Agreed but we need to hold the accountable and their feet to the fire.
That would be the entire toddler's administration to include his czarist cronies.
All of these Tea Party christmas tree wishes should be tied to any agreement to raise the debt ceiling. The GOP pissed away their previous chance at using leverage when they caved on the tax rate bill and extended UI benefits.
Don't piss away this opportunity!
Always liked Marsh Blackburn! When the Tea Party was in D.C.,and everything was over, she wouldn't leave. She went up to the balcony waving and thanking everyone for coming! More substantially she's a great Constitutionalist!
Good deal.
Those newly elected, know that the "natives are getting restless".
They need to start doing some things, or there will be severed heads on pikes.
They should tie everything to the Constitution.
Biden would tell you that when Washington made his radio address, it was a different time…
Superb.
Legislating to limit the scope of government is a sucker's game.
These Executive Branch fiefdoms lose NOTHING here. For them, it's a game of win-big-or-lose-nothing. So, they have NO REASON TO STOP governing outside the scope of their authority.
DEFUND and DISMANTLE and ABOLISH, whenever and wherever possible.
GOOD NEWS!
I like the way Progressives are dealt with in the new animated web movie A Not Too Grimm Fairy Tale… you’ll laugh your butt off as the truth about America is unveiled along with a new American symbol (weapon) – the Liberal “head-up-the-butt” person
http://www.marcrubin.com/Hairmerica.ivnu
Didn't Washington use one of those hand-crank twitter machines designed by Ben Franklin (but manufactured in China)?
Boehner needs to be as persistent and demanding as Pelosi was – worse in fact.
Sic em.
I'm interested in how a flat tax would address income from Roth IRA and Roth 401K accounts.
For existing accounts, would those be tax-free under a flat-tax plan? Wouldn't we still need the IRS to monitor that?
Also, would they be done away with in the future?
I don't see how going to a flat tax would mean we didn't need an IRS. For self-employed people, contractors, and for business returns, the IRS would still need to set guidelines and perform audits, wouldn't they?
As Barry (the good one) said, "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice."
Rather than just clip their wings, remove them all together. Any power the FCC has left will be abused at some point. Look at the EPA's abuse of power. This has got to be the beginning and the people expect much, much more from the new Congress. It's down to a do or die sitution for every good American.
Small problem compared to the fact that the whole establishment, the IRS, the politicians, crony-corporatists, the lawyers and the tax accountants all profit from the existing tax system. They are what stands in the way.
Yeah, that and Biden's favorite, the clockwork 'Pocket Wank-a-Matic'…
or was that Ron Popeil?
"They need to start doing some things, or there will be severed heads on pikes."
I'm thinking it's gonna happen anyways…….People are still pissed…..Any and all Politico's who stray from what they where sent to Washington to do (eviscerate obama's master plan) will be sent back home in a body bag next election…….I'm not sure they get that yet…….
like to give credit where it's due….
I'm sharpening my pike, as we speak….
My God! Maybe the world isn't completely insane.
Thank you Rep. Marsha Blackburn!
Lessss seeee now,…….. Would that be a FEMALE stepping forward to take the bull by the horns?
GOOOOO Marsha!!!!!
.
" He can't find his posterior with both hands and a mirror." Or as my brother-in-law is fond of saying " He couldn't scratch his ass with a handful of fish hooks!! "
Wonderful! The (still) free citizens of America thank you, honorable Representative Marsha Blackburn!
Methinks we may need to MASS PRODUCE the pikes.
Republicans Promise to Block Net Neutrality Rules
Wednesday, 22 Dec 2010 10:49 AM
Most conservatives oppose the Federal Communications Commission’s new regulations to ensure Internet neutrality. And House Republicans pledge to work toward reversing the FCC’s dictums in the new Congress, The Hill reports.
Incoming House Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (pictured) says his committee will hold multiple hearings to overturn the new rules, which are designed to prevent phone and cable companies from affecting Internet traffic. "The FCC's hostile actions toward innovation, investment and job creation cannot be allowed to stand," Upton says.
Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., who will help lead the GOP charge as chairman of the Communications subcommittee, says, "If left unchallenged, this power grab will allow the Commission to regulate any interstate wired or wireless communication on barely more than a whim."
"The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves."
George Washington
As Rush would often put it, "We are behind you all the way".
No it would not remove the IRS, but it would greatly simplify the code and greatly reduce the number of folks needed to administer it. Code would go down to just a few volumes.
Why would businesses need to pay more than a flat rate? Not a slam on what you said, just interested in your answer.
IRA, 401, 403, etc. My thought would be to start the rate past the poverty point, and remove the amounts in these accounts from computation. Same with healthcare accounts, etc. The rest deserves it's own book, and I'm not the one to write it. I have heard and read some from some excellent plans out there.
GOOD!
Block the EPA's unconstitutional power grab once you're done reigning in the FCC's unconstitutional power grab!
ROTFLOL, …. I'm sure you will be, HA!
.
Yeah! What he said!!!
Love to see a conservative celebrate!!!!! It's been awhile.
The EPA has been running wild way too long and it's time for some change, I hope!
Why didn't the judge go after the FCC for contempt already, if they were going to do anything about it?
"Why would businesses need to pay more than a flat rate? Not a slam on what you said, just interested in your answer. "
That's very easy.
If you are taxing gross sales, then it would be easy. And unfair. Imagine two companies that have the same gross sales – one makes a profit and the other is losing money. Should they pay the same flat tax? Or, should we tax profit?
If you are taxing net profit, then THAT is what requires IRS regulations and scrutiny. How should depreciation be determined? How are costs recognized for long-term projects? How are inter-company transfers handled? When should purchases be expensed and when should they be capitalized? When one company purchases another, how is "goodwill" valued? Who pays the tax on the limo used by the corporate exec to commute to work? What is the per diem allowed for travel living expenses? Does the company recognize deposits as sales or something else? How are delinquent accounts receivables treated concerning the income statement? How is depletion handled?
There are a huge number of issues that, if we are to tax on net profit, MUST be addressed – and audited.
Amen M8's,,, I liked the sound of that Congressional Review Act, empowering legislators to
invalidate noxious regulatory frameworks developed by federal agencies.
Why have we never heard of this ''Act'' before Marsha brought it up?
.
Sure wish I could put my foot right where it belongs. Kick those libs right in the river.
First Amendment. No government regulation of internet.
Go for the throat to save time.
Adding to the party, this from The Hill:
"Republicans introduce bill to eliminate presidential 'czars'"
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/...
Amendment 1 – Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
"The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves."
George Washington
Actually I have heard of it before and it has been brought up in the rules committee on several occasions over the years, this is the first time I've heard of anyone actually putting it to use though.
Personally, I'd like for congress to do this with every regulatory agency every chance they get, no more blank checks, kissy faced winks or loving nods from party players or power brokers.
We're due, aren't we?;-D
.
While enthusiastic about what's happening, I remain a bit skeptical. The GOP elitists have all the posts of authority and influence–with the exception of a few committee chairmanships. They are (just like the Democrats) known to compromise new, conservative freshmen legislators with promises of financial re-election support and choice committee assignments in exchange for "cooperation," and I'm not certain that THEY are as committed to reversing the growth of government as the incoming freshmen are.
Here's what's immediately available about it on the web:
http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/bills/blcra.ht...
That's a good one. Veto that Obama, show us your transparent good government side.
To Rep. Marsha Blackburn:
Thank You, Ma'am.
A big Thank You! to Rep. Blackburn. This is just the sort of thing I was hoping would happen in the new Congress.
Music to my ears. The FCC needs to be taken down a peg or two. It is not the Federal Committee on Censorship as Obama would have it.
I'm not lawyer. I don't really know. Maybe it's slightly different subject matter.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/FCC-loses-key-rulin...
Repealing FCC control of the internet needs to be priority #1 for the Boehner House, even moreso than junking Obamacare. If it hasn't been undone by the next election DO NOT RE-ELELCT THEM
Rep. Blackburn should stay on this until the House clearly states the FCC has no jurisdiction whatsoever over the Internet. Dingy Harry and Barry had better be wringing their hands over filibuster and veto scenarios by February 1st. We The People demand this.
http://libertyatstake.blogspot.com/
"Because the Only Good Progressive is a Failed Progressive"
A good start–thanks.
Two years of nazi pelosi stopping Republican bills from coming to the floor means that there is a huge backlog of this kind of legislation ready to introduce. The next few months should be very interesting.
Oh, yeah, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo
Wonder why the internet is the only segment showing sustained growth during these tough economic times………Hmm………………..let me think about that for a minute………….(Rubbing chin) The only thing left in this country that the govt has not yet seized control of and regulated into oblivion, just happens to be one of the very few industries still doing quite well………. Hmm………………… I wonder if there might be a connection of some sort………………(Scratching head)………..Hmm……Smells like something burning…………………Oh damn……I think I forgot to turn off the stove!
Can't we just start using the pikes know? Keep them on their toes and such.
"Would that be a FEMALE stepping forward to take the bull by the horns?"
The woman seem to be the only ones in DC with balls.
Thanks for the link. It is possible they did an end run around the court. They sure did go around the congress.
explain EXACTLY how Obama is a commie, what has been legislated that can be construed as communist!!
Good points, I'll have to look those up.
…the only ones in DC with balls.
Gee I hope not Hadit, we need everyone to pitch in and fight now.
I'm worried that the women may be more aggressive due to the possibility that they have been
kept out of the little cliques that enable the graft and corruption to run rampant.
IOW they have nothing to lose, whereas the GOOD 'ol BOYS are hanging back worrying about
how to maintain the status quo.
.
The FCC is irrelevant. Shut it down.
Oh, This is an "I love it" day for sure.
More, more !!
It does make one wonder, doesn't it? Why aren't the men stepping up to the bat? They can't all be Allan Aldas!
Very curious Hobbes, maybe they'll get the hang of it if the women set a good example…
; )
There are many many more accounting issues that affect how profit (and hence income tax) is calculated. As long as we tax business profit, we'll need something like an IRS.
How would self-employed people be taxed (i.e., those who do not draw paychecks from an employer)?
I'm just interested in how the flat tax would work.
We can hope!
This guy sharpened his pike.
There are some legitimate functions the FCC performs, such as allocating the frequency spectrum and enforcing regulations concerning transmission infringement & quality.
Now this is what I want to see!! All good signs! About time we've got something to, at least, smile about!
You betcha!!
I agree – she is one of the best. Have a lot of respect for her
Same way they're taxed now. You can not do away with the IRS but you can reduce the size to a manageable efficient level.
If tax rates are reasonable it is not worth it to cheat. Only worth it if the burden is onerous.
This just gets better and better. Stop the FCC and the internet pat downs.
Hey Hobbes–
You sound like my CFO and obviously have experience with the current system. I prefer the fair tax … what say you financial wizard?
Don't be a buzzkill. I agree, but give them at least more than 24 hours to show you something.
Huh…well this is a nice development. Perhaps the GOP really has learned a valuable lesson from the Bush years? If they keep this up 2012 should be a landslide. Hats off to Rep. Blackburn.
That's a great one. No greater threat to the democratic process than allowing unelected officials have unlimited power to create legislation. They absolutely should be done away with. I just hope this is not lip service and these things come to pass.
Are you selling these cartoons?
FCC is a ball and chain that has made no profit.
Internet has made tons of profit and progresses us toward the future.
FCC – Internet
FCC – Internet
FCC – Internet
FCC – Internet
FCC – Internet
I'll take the internet and dump the ball and chain.
We can actually see the Government intrusion into our lives being met with attacks, and good Legislation, and it's only been 2 days!
So chopping the Govt in half is not out of the question. I'm impressed so far, and of course expect more.
If the Repubs keep up this pace, precision and preparation we will make progress every day! I'm proud of our party today Missy8s!
You don't sound like the TrooBloo that I know but I like your sentiment.
Right cb750. We need to disband half of these Govt Agencies. The party's over Imam Obama!
We're so used to being frustrated and enraged that this is euphoric. I love the dignity of Speaker Boehner and the way that he's conducting business. For the first time in years, it feels right. He is a real Patriot. Keep going Mr. Boehner. We're liking the progress and the attacks. America needs this. It is what we meant when we said we want to 'Take back our Country.'
"The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be."
I'm tired of seeing the link!
Party of NO to the rescue
If you let a government agency lie around a progressive will eventually use it for their ill gotten gain. The Republicans are going to have to do what Dem’s did when they took control of the two branches of government only more progressively. They need to dismantle the whole debilitating apparatus that has been constructed over the last hundreds years. if the Republicans don’t the progressives will consummate their dictatorial utopia when they get complete control once again.
Hurray!! The FCC has over-reached and needs to be reigned in. The Obama Regime wants to shut – up the New Media like the Blaze, Big Gov, Daily Caller , the grassroots organizations s , Beck, Limbaugh, Conservatives , and the Tea Party activists. They tried to marginalize us and it back fired.
After all, we did finally learn how to harness the internet to give the shellacking to Pelosi's Marxist progressives back in November. There's more shellacking to come for 2011 and 2012. Lets get to work!!
Farm it out to the private sector. Make the governing committee an even number of 20 members, mandatory 10 from the left and ten from right.
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