House of Representatives

While Republicans support free and open Internet and have offered three bills to start a conversation on the best approach to codifying protections for consumers, H.R. 1644—The Save the Internet Act—is more about scoring political points than protecting consumers from ISP blocking and throttling. H.R. 1644 would restore the heavy-handed, government control of the Internet that depressed investment in broadband networks for two years.

In the weeks ahead, we will continue to bring legislation to the Floor that puts the American people first. On March 6, we will launch the Save The Internet Act, working with Senate Democrats to introduce legislation to restore Net Neutrality at 11:15 a.m. in the Rayburn Room of the US Capitol. The text of the proposed legislation has not been released.

Rep Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Sen Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Truth-In-Billing, Remedies, and User Empowerment over Fees (‘TRUE Fees’) Act. The TRUE Fees Act requires phone, cable, and internet providers to include fees, charges, and surcharges in the prices they advertise for service; allows customers to end their contract without early termination fees if their provider increases prices; prevents hikes on equipment fees unless providers improve equipment; and prohibits forced arbitration clauses for wrongful billing errors.

Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) has been appointed Vice Chair of the House Communications Subcommittee. “In this capacity, I plan to continue my focus promoting policies to achieve 5G and beyond and spur innovation in the US economy,” Rep Matsui said.