Senate Prepares for Floor Vote on Net Neutrality

What’s the story?

• Senate Democrats are preparing to force a floor vote to restore net neutrality rules, which were officially repealed by the GOP-led Federal Communications Commission on April 23.
• On May 9, half the Senate - forty-nine Democrats and independents, one Republican - will present a petition to force a vote on a resolution to undo the FCC rollback.
• Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), who introduced the Congressional Review Act, tweeted on Monday:

What’s a Congressional Review Act?

• Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress can nullify recently passed legislation with a simple majority.

Websites plan 'red alert' protest

• Net neutrality activists and websites like Tumblr, Foursquare, and Etsy will post “red alerts” on May 9 to protest the FCC’s rollback and raise awareness for the CRA vote.

What happens if the Senate vote is successful?

• Even if Markey's bill does pass the Senate, it would still need a majority in the House, where the GOP controls more seats. Then, it would head to President Donald Trump’s desk—and the president, who’s supported the net neutrality rollback, would likely veto the legislation.

What do you think?

Do you want your reps to join the fight for net neutrality? Or do you support the rollback? Hit Take Action and tell your reps fight for – or against – the rollback. Then share your comments below.

And be sure to tell your reps how they should vote on restoring net neutrality here.

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• Net Neutrality Officially Dead—What’s Next?
• Should Net Neutrality be Reinstated?
• Is Your State Fighting the FCC on Net Neutrality?
• Senate Dems One Vote Shy of Net Neutrality Revival—Tell Your Senators How to Vote Now
• Congressional Review Act

(Photo Credit: Free Press via Twitter)