Symbolic net neutrality amendment moves through

A bipartisan budget amendment expressing support for some type of network neutrality rules was unanimously adopted during the evening of March 26's “vote-a-rama” in the Senate. The measure called for a deficit-neutral reserve fund “to preserve and protect the open Internet in a manner that provides clear and certain rules” while also protecting consumers, competition and other issues. The measure was entirely ceremonial and non-binding.

Still, the mere fact that Senators of both parties could agree on the idea that there should be some rules in place to protect Internet users represents a partial bridging of the partisan split on the issue, and may offer a flicker of hope to supporters of a compromise piece of legislation. “Passage of this amendment is a good omen that Congress can come together, on a bipartisan basis, to address uncertainty facing the Internet and consumers,” said Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD), who co-sponsored the measure along with Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL). “This amendment underscores that Congress has a role and responsibility to set policy for protecting an open Internet.”