Democrats to force vote on FCC repeal of net neutrality
WASHINGTON: The top US Senate Democrat said on Friday he would force a vote on the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to repeal landmark net neutrality rules, but the move was unlikely to block a ruling that could reshape the digital landscape.
The FCC on Thursday voted along party lines to reverse the Obama era rules barring internet service providers from blocking internet traffic, or offering paid fast lanes. A group of state attorneys general vowed to sue.
On Friday, Senator Charles Schumer of New York said he would force a vote on the FCC action under the Congressional Review Act. Republicans scuttled internet privacy rules adopted under the Obama administration using the same procedural vehicle.
“There will be a vote to repeal the rule that the FCC passed. It’s in our power to do that,” Schumer said in New York.
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell opposes Schumer’s effort and backed the FCC repeal, a spokesperson said . A reversal of Thursday’s FCC vote would need the approval of the Senate, US House and President Donald Trump. Trump also backed the FCC action, the White House said on Thursday.
This week’s FCC order grants internet providers sweeping new powers to block, throttle or discriminate among internet content, but requires public disclosure of those practices.
The FCC said the rules would take effect once the White House Office of Management and Budget approved the new rules, which could take several months.