The new GOP split on net neutrality

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Republicans have always insisted that the federal government keep its hands off the Internet. But the Federal Communications Commission’s landmark vote to create net neutrality rules has left Republicans with a split over what to do next, with some conservatives wanting to use every tactic to fight the FCC, and more establishment GOP lawmakers trying to get Democrats to agree to an alternative, weaker set of rules.

Some House Republicans want to follow the same course they did back in 2011, after the FCC adopted its previous open Internet plan, and officially condemn the agency’s decision with a resolution of disapproval. Many conservatives oppose the very idea of net neutrality rules to ensure all Web traffic is treated equally, calling it government interference in the private sector. But the party’s telecom leaders are trying to convince centrist Democrats to cooperate on net neutrality legislation they say represents a more acceptable and less heavy-handed approach than what the FCC has adopted. That’s made them hesitant to take part in a scorched-earth response to the agency’s rules -- a move that would inflame partisan tensions. Republicans in Congress are united in opposing FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s rules, which would tighten regulation of broadband and treat it like a utility. The division in the GOP comes down to tactics in responding to the agency’s order.


The new GOP split on net neutrality