McConnell: Internet rules ‘a blow to the future of innovation’

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Thursday sent a warning to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ahead of its vote on controversial net neutrality rules. 

The FCC will decide whether to issue regulations designed to guarantee equal treatment of Internet traffic. Republicans have strongly opposed the plan, arguing that it is regulatory overreach to regulate Internet service like a utility. 

{mosads}McConnell said that the rules would strike “a blow to the future of innovation in our country” and destroy the “light touch” that has driven innovation.

“The growth of the Internet and the rapid adoption of mobile technology have been great American success stories. And they were made possible by a light regulatory touch,” the Kentucky Republican said from the Senate floor. 

The FCC vote, which is expected to fall along party lines, would start the clock on new regulations that would subject broadband Internet service to heightened regulatory oversight.