Bilirakis Works to Protect a Free and Open Internet

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), member of the Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee, today participated in a hearing to discuss draft legislation to codify the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) role in regulating the Internet.

"Protecting an open Internet affects every one of my constituents on a day to day basis. We all agree the Internet should be free and open, and that consumers should be protected. Since the Internet's inception, it has been a place of freedom and innovation, with an appropriate amount of regulation. Overregulation will stifle innovation and increase uncertainty," Bilirakis said.

"In my District, Lacoochee and Trilby need as much attention as other areas to ensure overregulation doesn't interfere with innovation. The draft bill we are reviewing today codifies common sense by providing clear authority to the FCC, protecting consumers, and putting an end to uncertainty surrounding this issue. It is time to move forward in a bipartisan manner," Bilirakis continued.

Watch Congressman Bilirakis complete remarks and questions here.