As the net neutrality CRA deadline in Congress approaches, support continues to grow

The Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal its net neutrality rules in December 2017. “The backlash to the repeal was overwhelming from internet users across the political spectrum. It led to a situation where we’re actually on the offense and we have this incredible tool, a powerful tool, somewhat of a blunt instrument, that Congress can use to block the FCC’s incredibly unpopular decision and keep these rules in place,” said Evan Greer, deputy director of internet advocacy group Fight for the Future. “It’s kind of the perfect mission for the internet.” Greer continued: “I think this is a pivotal moment. This is really the moment to rally the internet to fight.”

The Senate will consider use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the ban. The choice for lawmakers is being highlighted online for voters to see. Internet activists are trying to help drum up support online by making it clear how every lawmaker is intending to vote on the net neutrality CRA.

Fight for the Future, Demand Progress, and Free Press Action Fund, a trio of internet rights advocacy groups, created an online scoreboard that shows which lawmakers have voiced their support for the CRA. The scoreboard also lets people select their state so they can see if their local lawmakers have supported the CRA or not.

As of April 24, the scoreboard says nearly 1.3 million calls have been made to lawmakers about the net neutrality CRA, with a handful of lawmakers—such as House Speaker Paul Ryan—getting more than 20,000 calls. But the scoreboard isn’t the only plans activists have for attracting attention to the CRA.