HOUSE VOTES TO BLOCK ONLINE PRIVACY RULE

Washington — The House voted Tuesday to block online privacy regulations issued during the final months of the Obama administration, a first step toward allowing internet providers such as Comcast, AT&T and Verizon to sell the browsing habits of their customers.

The Federal Communications Commission rule was designed to give consumers greater control over how internet service providers share information. But critics said the rule would have added costs, stifled innovation and picked winners and losers among Internet companies. The House voted 215-205 to reject the rule; 15 Republicans sided with Democrats in an effort to keep the rule in place. The legislation now awaits the signature of President Donald Trump.