FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CH A IRMAN 
The Honorable Marsha Blackburn 
U.S. House ofRepresentatives 
217 Cannon House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Representative Blackburn: 
May 19,2014 
Thank you for contacting me to express your views on cost-benefit analysis in 
rulemaking proceedings and the proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRPM) on the Open 
Internet. 
Cost-benefit analysis is one of many valuable tools used in certain circumstances by 
regulatory agencies, including the FCC, to assist in the evaluation of a proposed regulatory 
course of action. Since President Obama issued Executive Orders 13563 and 13579 in 2011, the 
Commission has endeavored to act consistently with the cost-benefit analysis principles 
articulated in those orders in its rulemaking proceedings. This includes consideration of 
quantifiable, monet~zed costs and benefits associated with a proposed regulatory approach, as 
well as careful consideration of those costs and benefits that are not as easily quantifiable or 
monetized. The agency will conduct the Open Internet rulemaking proceeding following the 
same principles and guidelines. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
:::_ptt 
Tom Wheeler