What to Do Now: How We Save Net Neutrality

[Commentary] We may have lost the vote at the FCC, but the fight isn’t over yet. Now it moves to two new venues, both of which will require public support. Chairman Pai may have ignored millions of Americans, but he can’t ignore Congress. Members of Congress have the ability and the authority to quickly reverse Chairman Pai’s unprecedented rulemaking through a law called the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Put simply, members of Congress can act to nullify the FCC’s rollback of net neutrality by introducing and passing a resolution of disapproval as soon as the FCC’s new Order has been both published in the Federal Register and sent to Congress in an official report. After that, members of Congress have 60 legislative days to introduce a resolution of disapproval that cannot be amended or blocked by filibuster. There is another course of action beyond Congress. Public Knowledge has a long, successful history of standing up for net neutrality rules and enforcement in court. We believe there is a strong case for overturning the FCC’s order repealing net neutrality rules this time around and will be working to prepare for that opportunity. This fight is far from over, and we are prepared to continue our long-term commitment to defending an open and accessible internet for all.