Reports indicate that Mike Coffman (R-CO) will sign the Congressional Review Act resolution’s discharge petition today to restore the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules. Rep. Coffman will be the first House Republican to sign the discharge petition to force a vote on the CRA resolution to restore net neutrality. Rep. Coffman also introduced a bill that would restore the FCC’s 2015 net neutrality rules as well as the agency’s authority over broadband.
The following can be attributed to Chris Lewis, Vice President at Public Knowledge:
“Today Congressman Mike Coffman joined the 86 percent of Americans who believe in preserving strong net neutrality rules at the FCC. His leadership demonstrates the shift of the debate from one centered on what powerful interests in Washington want, to what the American people have been demanding for years on a bipartisan basis. We are grateful for Mr. Coffman’s bold leadership and his persistent work with all stakeholders to craft his positions.
“By signing the CRA resolution discharge petition, Mr. Coffman acknowledges that most outside Washington simply want net neutrality protections in place now, and that Americans cannot wait while unelected FCC Commissioners experiment with abandoning consumers when it comes to broadband — the essential network of the 21st century.
“The bipartisan CRA resolution already passed the Senate and will restore net neutrality rules that are popular, were allowing billions of dollars in investment in the internet economy, and that were upheld in court twice. Since big cable and telecom companies continue to raise prices and eliminate their commitment to full net neutrality, Congress must act now. This is impossible without bipartisan leadership from Mr. Coffman and Senators Kennedy, Murkowski, and Collins before him.
“Mr Coffman’s own net neutrality bill is a welcomed step forward in the longer term discussion around net neutrality legislation. His bill respects all of the values of the FCC’s 2015 Order and makes a novel effort to preserve the non-net neutrality authority of the FCC to protect consumers. It is unclear if this effort on basic consumer protection will fully meet consumers’ needs and may need more refinement. Still, we respect the good faith effort that Mr. Coffman has made and are committed to working with him to improve the bill.
“As the legislative discussions continue, the CRA resolution remains the best chance to protect all Americans right now. Given the challenge of passing legislation in this Congress, any serious protectors of net neutrality should join Mr. Coffman in signing the CRA resolution discharge petition before local monopoly broadband providers take more advantage of the current rule-less environment.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.