FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler
Congressional Republican
"fact-finding" on net neutrality has begun, and is pretty much
as obnoxious as you'd expect.
WASHINGTON -- Congressional Republicans kicked off an aggressive, net neutrality "fact-finding" mission on Tuesday, forcing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to defend against their allegations that the White House improperly exerted influence on the independent agency's decision process. […]
Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), who described Tuesday's gathering as a "fact-finding hearing," highlighted meetings that Wheeler had with White House staffers, most of which Wheeler insisted covered other topics such as trade. At one point, Chaffetz attempted to string together a protest that occurred at Wheeler's house on the same day as the president's announcement and a subsequent Wheeler email that noted the timing and read, "Hmm," as evidence of some kind of improper coordination involving the FCC.
Wheeler, who was often cut off by Republicans when answering questions, started laughing. "This clearly is showing that there was no kind of coordination," he responded.
Wheeler attempted to make clear to the committee that "[t]here were no secret instructions from the White House," and Democrats on the committee pointed out repeatedly that
Jon Oliver probably had a lot more to do with the decision than President Obama. That's not going to fly with Republicans, though. The idea that government might actually listen to what the people want, and act accordingly is not something Republicans believe is possible. Until we prove it.
Comcast is furious. They want to destroy our victory with their massive power in Congress. You won net neutrality. Now, are you ready to defend it? Call the congressional committees.