House Communications Subcommittee Votes to Refer the Save the Internet Act to Full Committee

The House Communications Subcommittee has voted 18 to 11 along party lines to refer the Save the Internet Act (HR 1644) to the full committee, where it is also expected to be favorably reported out. The Save the Internet Act restores the Federal Communications Commission's 2015 Open Internet Order that created strong network neutrality rules. Full Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said of the Title II-restoring bill: "Failure to move forward on this legislation is simply not an option." "[N]et neutrality is not Title II," said Full Committee Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR). "Net neutrality does not need the harmful, heavy-handed approach of Title II." The only amendment came from Ranking Member Walden, which would provide an exemption for small ISPs from the enhanced transparency requirements that the bill would also restore. Walden withdrew the amendment after getting assurance from Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) and others that they would work with him to find some middle ground on the issue before committee markup. The Democrats support some kind of relief for smaller operators, but how much and for how long remain issues. The hearing once again showed that Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over fundamental issues, like Title II.