Carr Applauds Strong and Comprehensive Package to Rein in Big Tech E&C Republicans Include 32 Bills to Protect Consumers, End Big Tech’s Abusive Practices WASHINGTON, July 28, 2021—Today, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led by Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers, unveiled draft legislative text for 32 bills to rein in Big Tech. The pro-consumer package includes provisions that would reform Section 230, promote more speech by applying antidiscrimination rules to large Internet platforms, and address Big Tech’s free ride on the Internet, among other actions. Commissioner Carr issued the following statement: “I applaud Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers and members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their leadership and for laying out in concrete terms the legislative actions that would hold Big Tech accountable. Their bold and thoughtful package of 32 bills would protect consumers, including by reforming Section 230 and requiring Big Tech to be open and transparent about their content moderation practices. “The package also takes the landmark step of proposing core antidiscrimination rules for Big Tech, which would promote more free speech online and make it more difficult for Silicon Valley corporations to take down constitutionally protected speech. “The package also includes legislation that would address Big Tech’s free ride on our Internet infrastructure. Big Tech derives extraordinary value from the use of these high-speed networks. Requiring them to start contributing a fair share into the Universal Service Fund would promote Internet builds in rural areas and other efforts to close the digital divide. “As I have said before, Section 230 reform is necessary but not sufficient on its own. The package unveiled today represents a comprehensive approach to rein in Big Tech. I am pleased to see House Republicans, including Republican Leader of the House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan, endorse legislation in the platform.” ### Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr Media Contact: Greg Watson (202) 418-0658 or greg.watson@fcc.gov