Written Statement of
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel 
Federal Communications Commission
Before the
Congressional Forum on Net Neutrality
Hosted by Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui
September 24, 2014
Good morning.  It’s always good to get out of Washington—and it’s terrific to be 
here in Sacramento.  So thank you to Congresswoman Matsui for holding this hearing, 
for having me here today, and for being such a thought leader back in Washington.  It’s 
also a treat to be here with my friend and colleague Commissioner Clyburn.  And I am 
grateful to each and every one of our witnesses for joining us here today.
Let’s start with what we know.  I know this: our Internet economy is the envy of 
the world.  We invented it. The applications economy began here—on our shores.  The 
broadband below us and the airwaves all around us deliver its collective might to our 
homes and businesses in communities across the country.  What produced this dynamic 
engine of entrepreneurship and experimentation is a foundation of openness.  Sustaining 
what has made us innovative, fierce, and creative should not be a choice—it should be an 
obligation.
We also have a duty—a duty to protect what has made the Internet the most 
dynamic platform for free speech ever invented.  It is our printing press.  It is our town 
square. It is our individual soapbox and our shared platform for opportunity.  
That is why I support network neutrality. I believe the FCC must find a way to 
put open Internet policies back in place.  We cannot have a two-tiered Internet with fast 
lanes that speed the traffic of the privileged and leave the rest of us lagging behind.  
So as we look for a way forward, I am pleased that Chairman Wheeler has 
recently acknowledged that all options, including Title II, are on the table.  As we 
proceed, we must also be mindful that more than 3.7 million people have written the 
agency to express their opinion.  Openness and transparency matter too.  It is good the 
FCC is hosting Internet roundtables back in Washington.  But we should be open to more 
than discussion inside our building inside the Beltway.  Because this is big—really big.  
So kudos to all of you for being here today.  I wish all of my colleagues were here—and 
that the FCC would hold discussions like this with every Commissioner present in 
communities all across the country.
Now for the best part.  I stop talking and we get to hear from you. Thank you 
Sacramento and thank you Congresswoman Matsui for making this happen.