It's official: Sen. Markey, Sen. Wyden and Rep. Matsui introduced the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act in the House and Senate! It’s a big deal: This bill would undo the major damage the Trump FCC inflicted when it repealed the Net Neutrality rules in 2017. And the bill would restore the agency’s authority to regulate broadband under Title II of the Communications Act — bringing back the FCC’s mandate to work toward making affordable high-speed internet available to all. But this bill won’t go anywhere — especially in a hectic midterm-election year — unless we help build momentum behind it. That’s where you come in. Will you tell your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act by signing our petition today? Sign the petition » The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the importance of regulating ISPs and fostering affordable high-speed internet for all. Before the pandemic hit, the Trump FCC had abandoned Title II — the statute that gives the FCC the authority to regulate broadband and enforce Net Neutrality rules. Without Title II in place, our government has no real authority to tell ISPs that they can’t cut people off from lifesaving services during the COVID crisis or other disasters. Tens of millions of people are still struggling to stay afloat, with new COVID variants upending jobs, schools, health care and other essential services. That means having a strong broadband connection couldn’t be more essential — and the digital divide is disproportionately impacting people of color, people in rural regions, and people in other underserved and overcharged areas. Companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon would love to preserve this status quo — they’re going to fight as hard to stop the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act as they have fought to block Gigi Sohn’s confirmation to the FCC. But there’s power in numbers, and our fight starts with you. Sign our petition: Ask your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act. Sign the petition » Thanks for all that you do— Heather and the rest of the Free Press Action team freepress.net P.S. Everyone deserves access to reliable, affordable and open high-speed internet no matter where they live. Help us bring back Net Neutrality by signing our petition today. |