Democratic lawmakers, attorneys general fight to stop net neutrality repeal

Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation in the US Senate and House that would reverse the FCC’s recent repeal of net neutrality rules. In the Senate, Democrats joined by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) are just one vote shy of passing legislation, while Democrats in the House face a more difficult fight. At the same time, 22 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging the FCC’s order.

Last year, the Republican majority FCC, led by President Trump’s Chairman Ajit Pai, eliminated bright-line rules to prevent blocking, throttling, and favoritism on the Internet. In doing so, the regulators eliminated essential safeguards that ensure fair Internet access to all users.

CWA participated in the open Internet day of action, urging Congress to use the Congressional Review Act to pass a “resolution of disapproval” as a first step toward legislation that would protect an open Internet.  “We need clear, enforceable rules to protect a free and open internet for everyone while promoting job-creating investment in broadband networks,” the union said.

Links:

Dems introduce legislation to stop FCC net neutrality repeal (The Hill, Feb. 27, 2018)

Democratic state attorneys general sue to preserve net neutrality rules (The Hill, Feb. 22, 2018)

CWA: FCC vote will damage free and open Internet (Speed Matters, Dec. 14, 2017)

CWA urges Congress to protect the open Internet (Speed Matters, Feb. 23, 2018)