Senators introduced legislation to restore the net neutrality rules repealed by the Federal Communications Commission
Only one more senator needed to pass resolution in the Senate
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith joined colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to announce the introduction of legislation, led by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), to reinstate the neutrality rules repealed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in December. Repealing net neutrality protections could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and blocked websites. At a press conference, the senators highlighted that the bipartisan resolution is just one senator short of passage in the Senate, an important step toward ensuring a free and open internet.
“Net neutrality is the bedrock of a fair, fast, and open internet. It holds large internet service providers accountable for providing the internet access consumers expect, while protecting innovation and competition,” Klobuchar said. “Now that we are just one vote away from passing this bill in the Senate, it’s more important than ever to keep the pressure on.”
“Since the earliest days of the internet, we’ve had net neutrality,” Smith said. “Net neutrality is woven into the fabric of our internet, and it’s a reason why we’ve seen innovation that’s benefited businesses, consumers, students, and anyone who uses the internet in Minnesota and across the country. The FCC’s move to end the rules that were put in place to protect net neutrality was an attack on the entire principle of a free and open internet, and we have to fight back. We’re a single vote away from passing this legislation—and we need your help to get it done. Join us in the fight to protect net neutrality.”
In December, the FCC voted to eliminate protections that prevent internet service providers from setting up internet “fast” and “slow” lanes and ensuring that they could not block, slow down, or prioritize internet traffic. Net neutrality rules provide opportunities for businesses to reach new markets, drive innovation, and create jobs. With unrestricted access to the internet, entrepreneurs can focus their resources on growing a business rather than paying for equal footing to compete online. Without strong net neutrality protections small businesses and startups will face new barriers to compete in the online marketplace.
Last week, the FCC’s rule repealing net neutrality was published in the Federal Register. With the introduction of the bill to repeal net neutrality, there are 60 legislative days to seek a vote on the Senate floor. A copy of the bill can be found HERE.
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