Kerry, Cantwell, Wyden and Udall Support Third Way

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2010 –Yesterday Senators Kerry (D-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M) sent a letter to the FCC in support of Chairmen Genachowski’s Third Way proposal.

The senators feel that the FCC not only has the authority but the duty to the American public. “the FCC is examining how it can continue to promote innovation and investment, protect and empower consumers, preserve an open Internet, and ensure that Americans are not isolated or disconnected from our broadband infrastructure We are committed to providing a bipartisan forum for all concerns regarding FCC authority and are in the process of reaching out to our colleagues on the most productive legislative path forward.   There is lots of work to do and a fight over an appropriations rider would only serve as a distraction from substantive exploration of the issue.”

Additionally they oppose efforts in congress to stop the commission from acting by limiting their appropriations.  We are committed to providing a bipartisan forum for all concerns regarding FCC authority and are in the process of reaching out to our colleagues on the most productive legislative path forward.  There is lots of work to do and a fight over an appropriations rider would only serve as a distraction from substantive exploration of the issue.