[NewsPoster]

Following a similar move by the House, the Senate has launched its own investigation on the US Federal Communications Commission's upcoming call for Title II legislation of ISPs. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) is giving the FCC two weeks to provide documents related to, and reasoning for, the call for "what new factors" after President Obama's remarks induced the FCC to apply Title II reclassification.

The newly-installed Republican-majority Congress is moving rapidly to try and undermine or prevent the FCC from potentially putting the large US carriers of Internet service under "Title II" regulation. FCC Chair Tom Wheeler revealed in a recent interview that his latest proposal will definitely make net neutrality mandatory; it will nullify the "paid prioritization" deals Netflix was forced to make with carriers; can mandate rural expansion of high-speed Internet service, service to poorer communities and schools, albeit with hefty tax breaks; and address widespread complaints of poor customer service, lack of competition, and high prices prevalent with US ISPs.

Johnson wrote that "since the FCC is an independent agency that derives its authority from Congress and not the White House, it is highly concerning that the White House would seek to take on this level of involvement in the regulatory process of the FCC, or attempt to supplant completely the agency's decision-making apparatus."

Chairman Wheeler's original suggestion for Title II oversight far predates President Obama's public call for the regulation. Republican opposition to the concept also precedes the President's remarks, with a bill being debated right now in the House to block the FCC from implementing the oversight.

[jdonahoe]

Another sham investigation by the House and now the Senate. Too bad they didn't request communications between Dick Cheney and the military prior to going into Iraq.

[iBricking.com]

Government is now a perpetual sideshow. The game of politics is the shiny object which distracts the press from covering actual policy and its implications.

[Flying Meat]

Um, nothing changed. Wheeler announced this as an option before Obama gave his opinion on it. AT&T said they'd sue before Obama gave his opinion on it. Nothing's changed.
Do these committees have to spend their budget before the end of the fiscal year to make sure they have one next year?
Seriously. Other than partisan spitefulness and slavishly doing what their lobbyists want, I can't think of why they are bothering. It is NOT about Americans, and it is NOT about rule of law. It's about money and power.
The big corporations involved have taken money from the government (you and me) to do things they have not actually done. We are a distant 9th in coverage and quality of service. THAT is why this action. Nothing has changed.