Upton: Battling net-neutrality part of keeping GOP ‘Pledge’

“We’re going to be like a dog to a frisbee on this,” he said.

He also criticized the FCC for staging a vote “nearly on Christmas eve” and before Republicans assume the majority, since the next FCC meeting is Dec. 21.

“That’s not the way to operate with a new team in town,” he said.

Two other contenders for the chairmanship also spoke up about the FCC’s action on Wednesday.

Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), the top Republicans on the full committee and the telecom subcommittee, wrote to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski commending him for his choice against reclassifying broadband, a stricter plan the FCC originally floated as a path forward on net neutrality.

Barton and Stearns also asked Genachowski to prove he has the legal authority to regulate network management practices.

House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) criticized how the FCC has dealt with the telecommunications industry, in his view strong-arming companies into supporting new regulations.

“I am also troubled by the process under which the proposed rules have been crafted,” he said. “The companies that power our economy should not be forced to choose between bad and worse. Rest assured we intend to conduct rigorous oversight and explore all our legislative options to put things back on the proper track.”