05/17/2018

Senate Votes to Reinstate Net Neutrality Rules

The resolution faces long odds in the House and, if passed, would require the president's signature

The Senate Wednesday narrowly approved a resolution that would undo the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) repeal of Obama-era net neutrality rules. Republican Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and John Kennedy (R-LA) joined all Senate Democrats to pass the measure in a 52-47 floor vote. Democrats forced the vote this week using the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress with a majority vote to overturn recent agency rules.

The GOP-led FCC voted to roll back net neutrality rules last December, arguing that the regulations were burdensome and discouraging broadband infrastructure investment. Net neutrality supporters argue that the rules are needed to prevent broadband providers from creating “fast lanes” for websites that pay for faster speeds.

“The internet should be kept free and open like our highways, accessible and affordable to every American, regardless of ability to pay,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “The repeal of net neutrality is not only a blow to the average consumer, but it is a blow to public schools, rural Americans, communities of color and small businesses.”

The resolution faces long odds in the House and even if passed, would require the signature of President Trump, who has criticized the rules in the past.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who led the effort to repeal the rules, said he believes the repeal will stand. “It’s disappointing that Senate Democrats forced this resolution through by a narrow margin,” Pai said. “But ultimately, I’m confident that their effort to reinstate heavy-handed government regulation of the internet will fail.”