WASHINGTON, DC – In a stunning reversal during today's Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on oversight of the Federal Communications Commission, Chairman Tom Wheeler admitted that he wants the FCC to have the ability to regulate broadband rates.

During his questioning, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) asked Chairman Wheeler, “But you believe that you should have the authority to regulate rates even though you choose not to at this time, the commission should have that authority to be able to regulate broadband rates?”

Chairman Wheeler replied, “Yes, sir.”

Watch the exchange between Rep. Kinzinger and Chairman Wheeler here.

The Energy and Commerce Committee has been at the forefront of the effort to bar the FCC from regulating broadband rates. Just last week the committee advanced H.R. 2666, the No Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, sponsored by Rep. Kinzinger. H.R. 2666 would prevent the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet, just as the administration and Chairman Wheeler promised when they reclassified access to the Internet as a utility under Title II of the Communications Act.

For additional information on today’s hearing including an archived webcast, background memo, and witness testimony click HERE.

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