In 2006, Senators Markey and Wyden introduced the first neutrality bills in the House of Representatives and Senate, respectively

Washington (April 4, 2024) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released its rule reclassifying broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act and reinstating net neutrality protections. The Commission will vote on the final rule at its open meeting on April 25. 

“The FCC’s net neutrality rule is a critical step towards protecting the free and open internet and restoring the Commission’s rightful authority over broadband,” said Senators Markey and Wyden. “This rule will fix the Trump administration’s foolish decision to repeal net neutrality protections and surrender the FCC’s essential tools to oversee the premier communications network of our day, broadband internet. 

“This is momentous. At its core, net neutrality is about freedom. The freedom of all Americans to communicate with friends and family, find jobs, and seek telehealth care without arbitrary fees or slowdowns. The freedom for small businesses and independent creators to compete on a level playing field. The freedom for any individual to speak their mind and voice dissenting views. Thanks to the leadership of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, the FCC will finally have the critical tools necessary to protect those freedoms.

“We commend the Chairwoman and the hard-working FCC staff for their commitment to this proceeding, and we look forward to working with them to finalize a strong rule over the next three weeks.”

On April 2, Senators Markey and Wyden, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), sent a letter to the FCC urging it to finalize a strong net neutrality rule. In September 2023, Senators Markey and Wyden led 25 of their Senate colleagues calling on the FCC to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act and restore net neutrality protections. Senators Markey and Wyden previously introduced the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act, which would accurately classify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II. 

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