Bicameral Legislation to Reinstate Net Neutrality, Reverse Damaging Trump-Era Deregulation

Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) andRon Wyden (D-OR) along with Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA-06) introduced the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act, legislation that would accurately classify broadband internet access as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act, giving the Federal Communications Commission the appropriate authority to reinstate net neutrality protections. The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the present need to promote an accessible and just broadband future, with students having spent upwards of two years studying online, entrepreneurs creating new businesses through remote work, and patients receiving the care they need through telemedicine services. In the wake of Congress’ historic investment in broadband deployment, the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act would give the FCC the authority it needs to prohibit discriminatory practice like blocking, throttling and paid prioritization online. It would also provide the FCC with ability to enact effective broadband policies that enhance public safety, increase accessibility, close the digital divide, and protect consumers.    

Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-II), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are also original Senate co-sponsors.