Nearly two months after Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) sent a letter to FCC Chairman Genachowski questioning the FCC's proposed Internet regulations, a response was finally returned on Monday.  It took two letters from the Representative to elicit a response from the Chairman, which really is just another case of Genachowski ignoring Congress.  In the original letter, Dingell urged Genachowski to abandon his attempts at reclassifying broadband, effectively giving the FCC authority over the internet.  Dingell believes this is a Congressional issue, and that FCC is overstepping its authority in these attempts.

Last week Dingell sent Genachowski a second letter, again discouraging Genachowski’s plans, citing there was no legal backing the FCC could use to follow through with reclassification.  After finally receiving a response, Dingell was less than impressed, still feeling that the FCC should wait to be given more power, instead of assuming authority. From the letter:

“Unfortunately, the paucity of substantive responses to my aforementioned questions in your recent letter has served only to substantiate my fear that the Commission’s proposed path with respect to the regulation of broadband is based on unsound reasoning and an incomplete record...

I worry that hurried action by the Commission to complete a rulemaking or issue a declaratory ruling concerning the classification of broadband Internet access services in the absence of a clear statutory mandate from the Congress will result in poor policy and protracted litigation, which itself will confound the Congress’ and the Commission’s efforts to encourage further investment in broadband infrastructure, create new jobs, and stimulate broadband adoption as we seek to implement network neutrality rules.

With this in mind, I reiterate my suggestion that the Commission abandon the classification effort it has set in motion and instead seek the authority it requires by asking the Congress to enact a statute that clearly delegates such authority.  In this way, the Congress and Commission may ensure the steadfast legal foundation for an open internet.”

Opposition to the FCC's unilateral Internet regulation scheme is still growing; does the FCC and Genachowski need more public scoldings to end this ridiculous campaign?