Even though the Federal Election Committee announced today that new regulations would not impede bloggers' free speech, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R.-Texas) would still like to see his bill, the Online Freedom of Speech Act (H.R. 1606), made into law.
Here are Hensarling's comments following the FEC's decision in regards to governing political speech on the Internet, according to a press release:
"It is sad to see that one misguided federal judge can force the FEC to regulate free speech on the Internet when it was neither the intent of Congress nor the desire of the FEC to do so.
"I'm heartened by fact that the FEC's rule is narrowly drawn, but a step in the wrong direction is still the wrong direction, and a bad precedent can lead to a worse precedent.
"Political speech is the highest form of protected speech in the land, and it should remain so. Someone's theory or bad dream about corruption that may or may not take place some day is not sufficient to curtail Americans' constitutional right to free speech this day.
"The best way to protect free speech on the Internet from further unnecessary regulation is for Congress to act quickly and pass HR 1606."
