#RedAlert Urgency for Net Neutrality Ahead of 'Most Important Vote for the Internet in History of the Senate'
Kicking off a 48-hour countdown to what he described as the “the most important vote for the internet in the history of the Senate,” Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) announced Monday that the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to restore federal net neutrality rules gutted by the GOP-controlled FCC last year will be officially brought to the floor on Wednesday.
“By passing my CRA resolution to put net neutrality back on the books, we can send a clear message to American families that we support them, not the special interest agenda of President Trump and his broadband baron allies,” Markey said in a statement. “From the GOP tax scam, to attacks on the Affordable Care Act, to rolling back fuel economy standards, and to net neutrality, the Trump administration has repeatedly ignored the needs of everyday American families.”
In spite of overwhelming GOP opposition, Markey’s resolution has the support of the entire 49-member Senate Democratic caucus, plus a pledge from Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) to vote in favor. If Collins keeps her promise to help pass the resolution—and considering that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is expected to remain absent while he battles brain cancer—the Democrats currently have the edge over the 49 Republicans who support the FCC’s effort to hand the web over to powerful corporate telecom interests.
With so much on the line and leaving nothing to chance, advocates for federal net neutrality protections, which prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from prioritizing certain online content, are maintaining the urgent tone of their #RedAlert digital campaign and asking constituents nationwide to keep the pressure on their elected officials.
Advocates are encouraging constituents to continue contacting their senators—particularly those seen as likely candidates to rethink their opposition, such as Republican Sens. John Kennedy (La.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska).
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT