Internet Regulation: As Congress Moves in, Is Genachowski Moving Out?

James Gattuso / March 11, 2011

On December 21 last year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by chairman Julius Genachowski, voted 3–2 to impose “neutrality” regulations on the Internet. At the time, dissenting commissioner Robert McDowell noted that the day—quite literally—was the “darkest day of the year.” The regulatory winter, however, may prove to be a short one.

Not only is Internet regulation under attack in Congress and the courts, but there are signs that Genachowski may soon take a new post at the Commerce Department, leaving his signature initiative in doubt.

The latest blow to the FCC’s regulatory ambitions came Wednesday afternoon as a subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee voted 15–8 to “disapprove” the FCC’s new Internet rules. Under the 1995 Congressional Review Act (CRA), such “resolutions of disapproval” provide a fast-track method for Congress to review regulations adopted by agencies and void them. (more…)