Democratic Lawmakers demand concessions from GOP to get net neutrality compromise

Democratic lawmakers say they’re not interested in cutting a network neutrality deal with Republicans, arguing that their counterparts across the aisle aren’t offering enough concessions. Even as the net neutrality battle focuses on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s proposal to curb the rules, observers say bipartisan legislation is necessary to establish a firm set of rules that can’t simply be overturned the next time FCC leadership changes parties.

Democratic Reps and Sens say Republicans need to yield more ground, particularly regarding FCC jurisdiction over broadband providers. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) has a draft of net neutrality legislation in the works, but said that it would be “impractical” to move forward with it unless Democrats get on board. A net neutrality bill would need 60 votes in the Senate, meaning that at least some Democrats would have to sign onto a Republican bill. None have indicated interest in doing so thus far.