Rep. Huffman Votes on Bold Legislation to Save the Internet

April 17, 2019

Washington, - Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) voted to pass H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act, to restore popular, bipartisan net neutrality protections for consumers and small businesses after the Trump Administration ended these vital protections in a partisan attack last year.  The Save the Internet Act passed the House by a vote of  232-190.

“Net neutrality is vital in maintaining a free, open and equitable internet system for all Americans,” said Rep. Huffman. “American families, entrepreneurs and small business owners, and rural America should not have to suffer the consequences of the Trump FCC’s actions, while the big service providers reap the benefits. On the North Coast of California, I’ve seen firsthand how our rural communities, who already have limited access to reliable broadband, depend on net neutrality: a free and open internet is essential for telehealth, education, and economic growth, and I’m glad the House voted to support net neutrality.”

The bicameral Save the Internet Act reinstates popular, bipartisan and targeted net neutrality protections, and codifies the FCC's 2015 Open Internet Order that was repealed by the FCC under the Trump administration. The legislation is similar to last year's Congressional Review Act that passed the Senate and had bipartisan support in the House:

  • Strengthening transparency protections, enacting specific rules against blocking, throttling and paid prioritization, and empowering the FCC to investigate consumer and business complaints and fine internet service providers for violations of the Communications Act;
  • Protecting consumers against unjust, unreasonable and discriminatory practices, and promoting competition;
  • Ensuring consumers can make informed decisions when shopping for internet plans; and
  • Restoring the FCC's authority to fund broadband access for rural communities, working Americans, veterans, seniors, students and disabled Americans.

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