Senate GOP pressures Democratic lawmakers for deal on Internet fight

Nearly a dozen Senate Republicans are urging Democratic lawmakers to come to the negotiating table to prevent President Barack Obama from transferring management of the Internet to an international governing body before the Oct 1 deadline. Sens Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Burr (R-NC), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Roger Wicker (R-MI) released a joint statement arguing that lawmakers should be able to reach a deal. "Partisanship and political gamesmanship have no place when it comes to the Internet, basic principles of freedom, and the right of individuals in our great nation and across the globe to speak online free from censorship," the senators said. They added that it would be "irresponsible" to allow the transfer to occur, calling on Democrats to "work with us to ensure this transition does not occur on October 1."

The 11 GOP senators said it was "disappointing" that the Obama Administration was moving forward with the transition without congressional approval, adding that they had lingering questions about the change as it relates to national security, free speech and consumer protections. Sen Cruz and other Republicans believe the administration must obtain permission from Congress before going forward.