WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement upon the release of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s draft “Restoring Internet Freedom Order,” which was circulated to his fellow commissioners this morning and will be voted on at the FCC’s Open Meeting on December 14:

“I welcome Chairman Pai’s announcement to restore the light-touch regulatory framework that has allowed the internet to thrive since its creation.  This action will set the stage for expanding investment and job creation in the internet economy and closing the digital divide that exists in Mississippi and around the United States.  I will continue to work with my colleagues to put a legislative solution in place that enshrines net neutrality protections into law and fosters an environment where broadband is accessible, affordable, and reliable for all Americans.”