Leading Senate Democrats Join Together To Support Consumers, Open Internet For All

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Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ron Wyden (R-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued a joint comment in response to proposed legislation released by Republican members of Congress.

“Senator Thune and the Republicans are right to acknowledge what nearly 4 million Americans have said in their comments to the [Federal Communications Commission] in support of net neutrality rules -- that open Internet rules are critical to free speech and innovation. We appreciate that the Republican bill also recognizes that net neutrality principles should apply regardless of the technology used to connect to the Internet.

"We stand ready and willing to work with our Republican colleagues, but unfortunately, the bill as currently drafted would dramatically undermine the FCC’s vital role in protecting consumers and small businesses online by limiting its enforcement and rulemaking authorities in this critically important area. Further, the Republican bill would severely curtail the FCC’s ability to promote the deployment of broadband service. The FCC has the necessary authority to enact the open Internet rules that millions of Americans have called for and that Republicans finally support. The Commission should act without delay.”


Leading Senate Democrats Join Together To Support Consumers, Open Internet For All