WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve the “Restoring Internet Freedom Order”:

“The internet has thrived since its creation without being classified as a public-utility under a Depression-era regulatory framework. However, common ground exists. All sides agree that we want to keep the internet free, open, and vibrant. I believe that under Chairman Pai’s leadership, this is again possible. The FCC’s vote to restore a light-touch to the internet should also kick-start the legislative process in Congress. I am eager to get to work and pass a long-term solution that will protect the internet, encourage innovation, boost investment, and close the digital divide.”