WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the below statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially repealed net neutrality rules. On May 16, the Senate passed a bipartisan measure to overturn the FCC’s decision, and the House of Representatives has until the end of the year to hold a vote on the rule. Unless the House also votes to overturn the FCC’s decision, the repeal of net neutrality will remain in effect beginning today. 

“As a strong supporter of a free and open internet, I am extremely disappointed to see the Federal Communications Commission’s elimination of net neutrality rules go into effect today—especially after last month’s bipartisan vote in the Senate to maintain those rules,” Klobuchar said. “I have always believed that the internet should remain fair, open, and equal for all who use it and will continue to work to support our rural communities, consumers, and small businesses who rely on the internet. The House should do the same and vote as soon as possible to protect net neutrality.”

In December 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal net neutrality rules. Net neutrality protections prohibit internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing these rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites. A recent poll showed that 86 percent of Americans do not approve of the FCC action to repeal net neutrality rules, including 82 percent of Republicans.

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