Michele Bachmann - Net Neutrality
Summary
Congresswoman Bachmann opposes net neutrality rules. In a 2010 television appearance, Congresswoman Bachmann referred to net neutrality rules as a tool to silence critics of the government and of the Obama administration. She has voted in favor of a resolution disapproving of net neutrality rules and has co-sponsored legislation prohibiting the government from enacting legislation to regulate the internet.
Hannity Appearance
In April of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann appeared on the Sean Hannity Show to discuss numerous issues. When the conversation turned to actions taken by the Obama administration to silence critics, Congresswoman Bachmann used the example of net neutrality rules as one means the government can use to silence critics.
Sean Hannity: The thing that I find most intereting is that in the Wall Street Journal today, is that you have the president of the Pew Research Center basically saying that the public wants government reformed and it's power curtailed. So what I think has happened, and tell me if you think that I am wrong here, is I think that conservatives have won the argument. They won the argument on health care ... they forced it down our throat anyway. They're winning the argument on the size and scope of the government, and now the reaction is just to lash out at the messengers that are saying "You know what, we could do better with lesser government, lower taxes, and a strong national defense." This propaganda campaign, what do you think is the net result, does it work, does it backfire.
Congresswoman Bachmann: Oh sure, that's all they have left now, is they use pejorative terms, hateful terms, against those who are carrying the message. So whether they're attacking conservative talk radio, or conservative TV, or whether it's Internet sites -- I mean, let's face it, what's the Obama administration doing? They're advocating net neutrality, which is essentially censorship of the Internet!
This is the Obama administration advocating censorship of the Internet. Why? They want to silence the voices that are opposing them. Despite the fact that they continue to have much of the main stream media still providing cover for all these dramatic efforts that the Obama administration has taken. So they're very specifically and pointedly going after voices that they see are effectively telling the truth about what the Obama administration is trying to do.
Voting Record
Disapproving of Net Neutrality Rules
In April of 2011, the House voted on a measure to prevent recent FCC rules regarding net neutrality from taking effect. The measure passed 236-174. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the resolution and therefore disapproved of the FCC rules regarding net neutrality.
Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the resolution and therefore disapproved of the FCC rules regarding net neutrality.
Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation
Internet Freedom Act - Cosponsor
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proposing, promulgating, or issuing any regulations with regard to the Internet or IP-enabled services. Makes such prohibition non-applicable to regulations that are determined necessary to: (1) prevent damage to U.S. national security; (2) ensure public safety; or (3) assist or facilitate any actions taken by federal and state law enforcement agencies.