Civic Register
| 6.11.18
Net Neutrality Repeal Takes Effect – What’s Next?
Join us and tell your reps how you feel!
What’s the story?
- The Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of net neutrality rules officially took effect on Monday.
- In December, the FCC voted along party lines to dismantle net neutrality regulations, allowing internet providers (ISPs) to speed up – or slow down – access to apps and websites.
- In mid-May, the Senate passed a resolution to reinstate Obama era net neutrality rules. The bill is now in the House, where it faces an uncertain fate.
What’s the F.C.C. saying?
- In an op-ed published on CNET Sunday, FCC chairman Ajit Pai argued the rollback protects consumers and promotes better access to the internet by restoring the Federal Trade Commission’s authority to police ISPs.
“In 2015, the F.C.C. stripped the F.T.C. — the nation’s premier consumer protection agency — of its authority over internet service providers. This was a loss for consumers and a mistake we have reversed,” Pai wrote.
States fight back
- Almost immediately after the FCC voted on the rollback, states announced plans to halt the commission’s ruling.
- For example, on May 30, the California State Senate passed a bill that would impose the strictest set of net neutrality protections in the country. If signed into law, the proposed rules would ban data-cap exemptions and bar ISPs from offering sponsored content.
- Countable continues to update our article "Is Your State Fighting the FCC on Net Neutrality?" on how states are challenging the net neutrality rollback.
What’s happening in the House?
- GOP House leaders might consider holding a vote is if a bipartisan agreement is reached on a legislative net neutrality fix, such as the Open Internet Preservation Act offered by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
- Blackburn’s bill would ban the blocking and throttling of content while allowing paid prioritization. But so far, such an agreement has proven to be elusive as Democrats oppose the bill’s prioritization provisions.
- House lawmakers who support the reinstatement of net neutrality rules will try to force a vote by using a discharge petition, which lets rank-and-file members force a vote on a bill if 218 members sign the petition.
- Given that Democrats currently hold 193 seats in the House, that means 25 Republicans would need to support the discharge petition effort. (A similar effort related to a DACA fix is underway in the House.)
What do you think?
Hit Take Action to tell your reps whether they should support or oppose efforts to reinstate net neutrality rules and share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
RELATED READING
- Is Your State Fighting for Net Neutrality? - California On Track Toward Strictest Net Neutrality Protections
- S.J.Res. 52: Net Neutrality CRA
- Congress to Vote on Restoring Net Neutrality
- FCC Officially Publishes Net Neutrality Rollback
(Photo Credit: filo / iStock)
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