Senate Democrats have announced that they will force Republicans to hold a vote on saving net neutrality on Wednesday.
All Senate Democrats and one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, support the resolution to undo Trump and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s repeal of net neutrality rules.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, “The internet should be kept free and open like our highways, accessible and affordable to every American, regardless of ability to pay. 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. A vote against this resolution will be a vote to protect large corporations and special interests, leaving the American public to pay the price.”
Passage of this bill matters, because even if the House does not take it up this year, it will make it easier for Democrats and the Republican supporters of the repeal to keep the pressure on to get action this year, and passage of the bill next year if Democrats take back the House, even if Republicans maintain control of the Senate.
“From the GOP tax scam, to attacks on the Affordable Care Act, to rolling back fuel economy standards, and to net neutrality, the Trump administration has repeatedly ignored the needs of everyday American families,” said Senator Markey. “By passing my CRA resolution to put net neutrality back on the books, we can send a clear message to American families that we support them, not the special interest agenda of President Trump and his broadband baron allies. May 16 will be the most important vote for the internet in the history of the Senate, and I call on my Republicans colleagues to join this movement and stand on the right side of digital history.”
Republicans are trying to kill the Internet by turning it over to corporate control. A tiered pay for access Internet will stifle innovation and free speech. Net Neutrality is not going away quietly, and if the supporters can find one more vote, a Trump and the big ISPs will be put on notice that America will not give up their free and fair Internet without a fight.
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Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
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