Senate votes to maintain net neutrality

THE SENATE voted Wednesday to preserve net neutrality, passing a measure that nullifies the Federal Communications Commission’s decision last year to repeal it.

Senators Susan Collins (RMaine), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), and Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) crossed party lines to join Democrats and independents in defending the measure. The final vote was 52 to 47. The Obama-era internet rules ban broadband companies, including AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from slowing down or blocking access to certain cites.

It also prevents providers from offering websites faster internet access — known as “fast lanes” — for more money, thereby favoring wealthy businesses.

The FCC voted in December to repeal the rules put in place in 2015. Net neutrality is officially expected to expire on June 11.

“We reiterate our call for actual bipartisan legislation that applies to all internet companies and guarantees neutrality, transparency, openness, nondiscrimination and privacy protections for all internet users,” AT&T said Wednesday.

The measure requires House approval and President Trump’s signature to become law.

It’s unclear whether the Republican-controlled House will advance the bill. The White House endorses the FCC’s repeal, making it unlikely that Trump will sign the resolution.