Now that the FCC has called off the closed-door meetings with telecoms that led to Google/Verizon mischief, the pressure is back on the FCC to act by reclassifying broadband and regulating the telecoms to protect and open Internet. Yesterday, Rep. Ed Markey sent a strong statement.

"The potential deal between two broadband behemoths underscores the need for the FCC to act quickly to protect the free and open Internet. In the absence of such action, it's increasingly clear that cozy cooperation between communications colossi will reign on the Internet. No one should be surprised that such companies will seek to slant the playing field in their favor, a result that will stifle the next generation of Internet innovators and short-circuit the economic benefits needed to power our economy in the 21st century. It is time for the FCC to step in to protect consumers, innovation, and fair competition."

He's joined by his House colleague, Rep. Jay Inslee, who provided this statement via e-mail.

"In their effort to gain a competitive advantage in this age of media consolidation, broadband providers are attempting to create a regime that locks information away behind pay walls, dramatically shifting power, and choice, away from consumers to serve their bottom lines. The internet has become the most powerful information tool since the printing press because people are empowered to make their own choices as to what they see, hear, share, and experience. There is no better evidence then these recent reports as to why the Federal Communications Commission must act quickly to preserve internet freedom."

Sen. John Kerry states the obvious: the FCC has to act because Congress, particularly the Senate, is held hostage.

"As we work to find a path forward for governing broadband, Congressional stalemate is making a legislative solution look increasingly unlikely in the near term," Kerry said. "As a result, Chairman Genachowski is now moving forward along a regulatory path. While this is an imperfect solution, it’s his only real option to maintain the proper role of government oversight in communications."

.... "While we search for a long term solution I believe that all regulatory options should remain on the table," Kerry said. "I hope that over time we can carve out a bipartisan compromise that preserves and promotes an open, ubiquitous, inclusive Internet infrastructure between Title II and an unregulated network."

And, don't forget this guy: