| Friend,
I’ve got exciting news! The Washington Post recently reported that Sen. Markey, Sen. Wyden and Rep. Matsui are preparing to introduce the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act1 as soon as this week.
This legislation would restore the FCC’s authority to regulate broadband under Title II of the Communications Act, and undo the major damage the Trump FCC inflicted when it gave up that power and repealed the Obama-era Net Neutrality rules.
When we at Free Press Action talk about real FCC oversight, we mean rules grounded in the agency’s authority to regulate ISPs like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon — rather than just taking these giant corporations at their word. Right now these companies can run roughshod over internet users and are basically unaccountable to anyone. And that’s the way they want it.
ISPs and their trade associations have worked tirelessly to stop Gigi Sohn’s confirmation to the FCC — in large part to stop the agency from gaining the votes it needs to restore its authority to regulate broadband. With Sohn’s confirmation, the FCC could ensure that high-speed internet is available and affordable to all — especially people of color, people in rural regions and other underserved and overcharged areas — and adopt strong Net Neutrality rules.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it: The Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act has a long road ahead of it. This Congress is dysfunctional and has a lot of urgent priorities to address before the upcoming midterm elections. But with your help, we can get the House and Senate to pay attention to this crucial issue too.
Be on the lookout in the coming days for more ways that you can take action to support this exciting legislation!
Thanks for all that you do—
Heather and the rest of the Free Press Action team
freepress.net
1. “The Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act Would Help Protect Internet Users in the Broadband Era,” Free Press Action, July 18, 2022 |
