"As the Internet continues to grow in importance to the national economy, businesses and consumers, the subcommittee will strive to ensure that this sector remains competitive, that Internet search is fair to its users and customers, advertisers have sufficient choices, and that consumers' privacy is guarded," he said in . "We will closely examine allegations raised by e-commerce websites that compete with Google that they are being treated unfairly in search ranking, and in their ability to purchase search advertising."

A Google spokesman declined to comment on Kohl's agenda. The subcommittee has not scheduled hearings on search competition.