Republicans slam net neutrality: 'It's Obamacare for the Internet'

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Hours after President Obama urged the Federal Communications Commission to reclassify the Internet as a utility to protect consumer access to high-speed browsing and downloads, top members of the Republican party reiterated their stance against net neutrality.

"The Internet should not operate at the speed of government," tweeted Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who called net neutrality "Obamacare for the Internet."

"Net Neutrality" is Obamacare for the Internet; the Internet should not operate at the speed of government.

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) November 10, 2014

Speaker of the House John Boehner was more measured in his criticism, expressing concerns about the effect regulations may have on the free market.

"It's disappointing, but not surprising, that the Obama administration continues to disregard the people's will and push for more mandates on our economy," Boehner said in an official statement.

"An open, vibrant Internet is essential to a growing economy, and net neutrality is a textbook example of the kind of Washington regulations that destroy innovation and entrepreneurship."