A 3 - 2 decision by a Federal Communications Commission board placed new rules on the internet on Thursday. The decision places the internet under Title II of the Federal Communications Act of 1934, but those new (old?) rules are not receiving a warm welcome from Montana's congressional delegation.

“The FCC’s decision yesterday was a blatant overextension of its legal authority," said  Congressman Ryan Zinke. "Reclassifying the Internet as a utility places excessive regulations on businesses across Montana while simultaneously stifling innovative growth that has allowed commercial Internet to grow exponentially since its inception. The Internet has long been guided by a hands-off approach, and this decision only furthers the power wielded by the FCC to control broadband service. The President has once again neglected to view the long-term ramifications of this irresponsible decision. I will fight to keep the Internet open and free for all Montanans.”

Senator Steve Daines also issued a statement, describing the new regulations as a "government takeover" of the internet by the Obama administration.

“The Obama administration’s 317-page regulation is nothing short of a government takeover of the Internet and a power grab that will slap more red tape on Americans’ Internet access. Rather than working toward bipartisan solutions that create jobs and promote innovation, the President and his administration have forced through yet another short-sighted regulation that will likely increase costs for the thousands of Montanans who rely on the Internet for economic opportunity and access to critical communication services. I will continue working to maintain a free and open Internet and stop the Obama administration's reckless Internet takeover.”

So far, KGVO News has not received comment from the office of Jon Tester.

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