Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) announced plans to introduce a Congressional Review Act resolution to undo today’s Federal Communications Commission vote to roll back the agency’s 2015 net neutrality rules. The rules prevented broadband providers from blocking websites, throttling web traffic, or creating “fast lanes” only for those able to pay for prioritization. Joined by 15 senators, a CRA would restore the agency’s 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld not once, but twice. Public Knowledge commends Sen. Markey for continuing his efforts to protect net neutrality for all Americans.
The following can be attributed to Chris Lewis, Vice President at Public Knowledge:
“Given the clear consensus outside the beltway, it is no surprise that there has been bipartisan opposition in Congress to this horrible vote at the FCC today. We support Senator Markey’s plans to overturn the repeal of the net neutrality rules using the Congressional Review Act and encourage all senators to join him in support. Broadband providers have already begun altering their public network management policies to allow for practices prohibited by the repealed rules. Policymakers must act before real damage is done to the free market and free expression online.
“The American public should not give up on this fight. The FCC can ignore the overwhelming view of the public, but Congress cannot without consequences come the November elections. All Americans should contact their members of Congress and ask them to support the resolution to overturn the FCC repeal of net neutrality rules.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.