Only one more Republican Senator needed to overturn FCC decision and pass resolution in the Senate
Washington (February 27, 2018) – On the Net Neutrality National Day of Action, Senate and House Democrats introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) partisan decision on net neutrality. At a press conference today, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) announced introduction of House and Senate resolutions to fully restore the 2015 Open Internet Order. The Senate CRA resolution of disapproval stands at 50 supporters, including Republican Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine.). Rep. Doyle’s resolution in the House of Representatives currently has 150 co-sponsors.
The FCC’s Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing these net neutrality rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites. A recent poll showed that 83 percent of Americans do not approve of the FCC’s action to repeal net neutrality rules.
“President Trump and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai might want to end the internet as we know it, but we won’t agonize, we will organize,” said Senator Markey. “The grassroots movement to reinstate net neutrality is growing by the day, and we will get that one more vote needed to pass my CRA resolution. I urge my Republicans colleagues to join the overwhelming majority of Americans who support a free and open internet. The internet is for all – the students, teachers, innovators, hard-working families, small businesses, and activists, not just Verizon, Charter, AT&T, and Comcast and corporate interests.”
“Last week, the FCC handed the keys, car, and steering wheel over to big corporations and ISPs at the expense of middle-class Americans,” said Senate Democratic Leader Schumer. “That’s why Senate Democrats today are announcing our CRA that will offer Republicans in Congress - for the first time - an opportunity to right this administration’s wrong and reinstate the FCC’s Open Internet Order. It’s time the Republicans show the American people whose side they’re on: big ISPs and major corporations or consumers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.”
“We’ve been chomping at the bit to introduce this bill and launch the effort to overturn the FCC’s repeal of Net Neutrality,” said Congressman Doyle. “Finally, that day is here, and we’re roaring to go. Millions of Americans from across the political spectrum want to preserve Net Neutrality. They couldn’t convince three FCC Commissioners to do the right thing last year, but I believe their elected Senators and Representatives will be responsive if those millions of voters make their voices heard and promise to hold opponents of Net Neutrality accountable for their actions.”
“The Trump Administration’s attacks on net neutrality deliver a disastrous blow to consumers, small businesses and the American entrepreneurship that is the envy of the world,” said House Democratic Leader Pelosi. “It gives me great pride to stand with Democrats and millions of Americans to defend the promise of a free, open Internet. Republicans must join Democrats to support the CRA resolution offered by Congressman Doyle and Senator Markey and stop the FCC assault on consumer choice and consumer protections.”
A copy of the CRA resolution can be found HERE.
Last week, the FCC’s rule repealing net neutrality was published in the Federal Register, leaving 60 legislative days to seek a vote on the Senate floor on the CRA resolutions. In order to force a vote on the Senate resolution, Senator Markey will submit a discharge petition, which requires a minimum of 30 Senators’ signature. Once the discharge petition is filed, Senator Markey and Senate Democrats will demand a vote on the resolution.
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