Franken Highlights Net Neutrality at Sotomayor Hearing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 15, 2009
Contact: Moira Vahey, Free Press, (202) 265-1490 x31
WASHINGTON -- Today, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) asked about the importance of Network Neutrality and the future of the open Internet during the Senate confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
Franken raised questions about Internet service providers’ ability to speed up and slow down traffic, and he asked whether there is a “compelling First Amendment interest in ensuring this can’t happen and the Internet stays open and accessible.”
Judge Sotomayor responded that the Internet is “revolutionary” and affects all areas of the economy and society. She said it is the courts’ role to respond to policies made by Congress.
Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, made the following statement:
“We applaud Senator Franken for raising important questions at today’s hearing about the future of the Internet. Building a 21st-century democracy is not possible without the free-flowing exchange of ideas. Today, Senator Franken and Judge Sotomayor both acknowledged that the Internet is undeniably essential to building our nation’s future. As our newest senator said today, our legislators have some work to do.”
Watch the full Franken - Sotomayor exchange on the Internet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMxiMX0QTD0
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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.
