Congress Acts to Buttress FCC Internet Authority

0
1360

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) have introduced the companion bills in the Senate (S. 1981) and in House of Representatives (H.R. 3982), respectively, that would temporarily restore the antidiscrimination and anti-blocking rules adopted as part of the FCC’s Open Internet Order. The “Open Internet Preservation Act of 2014” responds to the recent decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Verizon v. FCC, which overturned  portions of the Commission’s Net Neutrality rules as inconsistent with the Communications Act. The proposed legislation would give the FCC continued authority to investigate and adjudicate discrimination and blocking complaints until new rules are put in place. S. 1981 has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. H.R. 3982 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Share Button