Net neutrality redux

[billvon 3,131]

With all the bad news coming out of DC, this one is at least hopeful:

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It's official: Congress will vote on whether or not to bring back net neutrality
Rachel Sandler
Business Insider

Congress will vote to restore net neutrality next week.

A group of Senators led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) have gained enough support to force a vote under the Congressional Review Act, a little-known rule that allows lawmakers to overturn recently enacted regulation from a federal agency. Since the FCC repealed Obama-era net neutrality protections in December, advocates have been pursuing the CRA as a last-ditch effort to block the FCC's order.

Under the CRA, the Senate is required to consider a resolution if 30 senators sign a petition forcing a vote. A petition related to net neutrality with 32 signatures was delivered on Wednesday, thereby forcing a vote on the Senate floor. The vote is expected to take place next week.

For the measure to clear the Senate, only a simple majority vote is needed. But for the resolution to pass entirely, a majority would still be needed in the House — where it faces more opposition — and President Donald Trump would have to sign it.


In the Senate, lawmakers are just one vote shy of a majority. Currently, 48 Democrats and one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), along with Sen. Angus King (I-ME) have come out in support of the measure.

The FCC under Trump-appointee Ajit Pai voted along party lines in December 2017 to roll back net neutrality regulations put in place during the Obama administration. Net neutrality generally refers to the idea that internet service providers, such as AT&T and Comcast, should be prohibited from slowing down, prioritizing, or blocking any type of internet traffic.
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[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Well, I hope it passes and net neutrality is restored, but I'm not going to get my hopes up.

After all, AT&T paid Cohen over half a million to make net neutrality go away (originally claimed it was only $200k).

I'm sure they can make that up (and a lot more) by charging for access, speed and priority.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[billvon 3,131]

Some more good news - senate vote was 52 to 47 to keep net neutrality. Now it goes to the house and to Trump.