Announcing Recipients Of The Third Annual Congressional Internet Freedom Award

Beckerman: “Senator Thune and Congresswoman Eshoo champion policies that have contributed to unprecedented growth in the Internet sector, which now employs nearly 3 million people and represents 6 percent of our economy.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Internet Association announced that Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) are the recipients of the 2016 Congressional Internet Freedom Award, the Internet Association’s highest recognition for excellence in public service.

“Senator Thune and Congresswoman Eshoo champion policies that have contributed to unprecedented growth in the Internet sector, which now employs nearly 3 million people and represents 6 percent of our economy,” said Michael Beckerman, Internet Association President and CEO. “Both leaders understand and support the Internet economy , and look for ways to foster innovation and opportunity across the sector. The Internet Association, on behalf of the world’s leading Internet companies, is honored to present Senator Thune and Congresswoman Eshoo with the Congressional Internet Freedom Award.”

In his role as Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Thune has a clear track record of support for the Internet economy. He sponsored the Digital Trade Act of 2013, which enabled the free flow of digital goods and services across international borders. Senator Thune also helped spearhead final Senate passage of the Consumer Review Freedom Act, limiting gag clauses that can discourage users from posting negative reviews online. Additionally, Senator Thune brought his support for the Internet community back home, participating in an Internet Association-led small business crawl in Sioux Falls, which highlighted success stories from local businesses using the Internet to expand operations and better serve customers.

Representing Silicon Valley, Congresswoman Eshoo is a leading voice for Silicon Valley in Congress, particularly on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Rep. Eshoo is a constant advocate for public policies that promote free expression online, including net neutrality and broadband deployment. She is also a lead co-sponsor of The Innovation Act, critical legislation to tackle the problem of patent trolls.

The recipients will be honored for their efforts at the Internet Association’s third annual Charity Gala on April 28 in Washington, D.C. Proceeds from the event will go towards After-School All-Stars, a free after-school program that serves more than 72,000 low-income and at-risk youth in 17 cities nationwide.

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