FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Tammy Baldwin United States Senate 717 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Baldwin: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process refonns, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 201 7, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission' s review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Richard Blumenthal United States Senate 706 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Blumenthal: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 201 7, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part ofthe Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Cory Booker United States Senate 359 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Booker: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part ofthe Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sherrod Brown United States Senate 713 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Brown: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission' s review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin United States Senate 509 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Cardin: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April 27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 201 7, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part ofthe Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFI CE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Catherine Cortez Masto United States Senate B40A Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Cortez Masto: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Tammy Duckworth United States Senate G 12 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Duckworth: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part ofthe Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Al Franken United States Senate 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Franken: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital oppmiunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part ofthe Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senate 4 78 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Gillibrand: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 201 7, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission' s review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, n , ~ v~ r fAA, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Kamala D. Harris United States Senate B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Harris: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part ofthe Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, ~ V· Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Maggie Hassan United States Senate B85 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Hassan: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 201 7. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, ori August 11, 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Martin Heinrich United States Senate 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Heinrich: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18,2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level oftransparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Amy Klobuchar United States Senate 302 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Klobuchar: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 201 7. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level oftransparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide pmiies additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy United States Senate 437 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Leahy: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18,2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission' s review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - . Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Edward J. Markey United States Senate 255 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Markey: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance of having a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us . Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, ~ V· Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jeff Merkley United States Senate 313 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Merkley: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bernard Sanders United States Senate 332 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Sanders: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 201 7, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Brian Schatz United States Senate 722 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Schatz: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April 27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, V· Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Tom Udall United States Senate 531 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Udall: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital oppmtunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 201 7, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Elizabeth Warren United States Senate 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Warren: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the impo11ance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission's May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11, 2017, the Wire line Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part ofthe Commission's review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - v. Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ron Wyden United States Senate 221 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Wyden: August 30, 2017 Thank you for your letter urging an extension to the reply comment period for the Restoring Internet Freedom Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission on May 18, 2017. I believe in the importance ofhaving a free and open Internet. And in this proceeding, the Commission is currently examining the best legal framework for both protecting Internet freedom and providing strong incentives for the private sector to build and expand next-generation networks so that all Americans can be connected to digital opportunity. Consistent with our process reforms, the draft text of the Restoring Internet Freedom NPRM was released to the public on April27, 2017, three weeks before that item was voted at the Commission' s May agenda meeting. This level of transparency was not afforded in the 2014 Title II proceeding. In addition, on August 11 , 2017, the Wireline Competition Bureau extended the deadline for filing reply comments by two weeks, until August 30, 2017, in response to a motion filed with the Commission. The Bureau recognized that, consistent with past Commission precedent granting partial extensions, an additional two weeks for replies was appropriate to provide parties additional time to analyze the technical, legal, and policy arguments raised by initial commenters. This will also allow parties to provide more thorough comments, ensuring that the Commission has a complete record on which to develop its decision. Currently, the FCC is in the midst of receiving public comment on this matter, and we will go where the facts and the law lead us. Your views are very important and will be entered into the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission' s review. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this critical issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - v. Ajit V. Pai