Senate rejects attempt to overturn FCC's network neutrality rules

The Senate voted to keep in place the Federal Communications Commission's controversial rules aimed at preserving open Internet access. Actually, the Senate voted 52-46 along party lines not to bring the resolution to a floor vote. That means that, at least theoretically, Republican backers of the resolution could reintroduce it. A source close to one of those Republicans speaking on background said they would get together with resolution co-sponsor and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on how to proceed, but would not rule out another attempt.

Republicans had pushed to overturn the rules, and a resolution to do so failed 52-46 in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The White House this week had threatened to veto the action if the Senate approved it. The vote ends a months-long attempt by opponents of the rules to get them wiped out. In April, the Republican-controlled House voted 240-179 in favor of a similar resolution of disapproval. Nearly all Republicans oppose the new rules, arguing the FCC overstepped its authority and that regulation of the Internet will stifle its growth. Most Democrats, including President Barack Obama, argue that the regulations are needed to preserve an open Internet as the telecommunications industry becomes more consolidated.

Public interest groups and Internet advocates have worried for years that providers of Internet service, such as Verizon, Time Warner Cable Inc., and AT&T Inc. might try to slow down access to online services, such as Netflix or Skype, that compete with their own offerings, or charge premiums to some sites for faster delivery of their content.