Reid aide told White House to ‘back off’ tough Internet rules

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) then-chief of staff asked the White House in May to “back off” its support for tough Internet rules that treat broadband like a public utility.

David Krone, Reid’s top aide at the time, anticipated the “problems it creates for us,” noting it would be hard to defend the idea that “regulations written in the 1930s will work fine for 2014 technology” — copying a common Republican talking point.

{mosads}His stance was revealed in a pair of emails released by the House Oversight Committee in its probe into whether the White House, which wanted the tough regulations, put undue pressure on the Federal Communications Commission during the rule-making process.

Krone sent the emails on May 15 to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. Krone said his point to the White House was to “Let Tom do his job and this will be fine,” he said in one email to Wheeler. 

The emails were one of many that Republican investigators released as they attempt to paint a picture of a White House interfering with the work of an independent agency. They also show a rare glimpse into the thinking of the Senate Democratic leaders’ office and the divide with the White House. Reid’s office did not respond to a request for comment. 

Krone used to work for cable giant Comcast before joining Reid’s office. In the past he has also worked with the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, AT&T and other telecom firms. Key players in the cable industry oppose the new rules and have been weighing a legal challenge.

The FCC voted last month to reclassify broadband Internet using the authority under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934, traditionally used to regulate telephone service. The move gave the commission increased authority to enforce rules governing the open Internet.

The plan differs from Wheeler’s original proposal in May that used other means to enforce the rules.

Republicans are nearly universally opposed to new Internet rules and have accused the FCC of bending to pressure from the White House, capped by a widely watched YouTube video where Obama called for the tougher approach.

Reid was initially silent on whether the FCC should treat broadband as a public utility. He endorsed the principles of net neutrality and vowed to lead the charge against Republican attacks.

It was not until early last month, however, that Reid in a short statement said he was “in favor of” the plan for reclassifying broadband. 

Krone has been in a number of high-profile dustups with the administration. He made comments critical of the president following the November elections last year. In January, it was reported that he would be stepping down from his post but still be an adviser to Reid. 

This story was last updated at 2:58 p.m.

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