NM Democrats Cosponsor Resolution To Reinstate Net Neutrality

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On the Net Neutrality National Day of Action, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham cosponsored a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) partisan decision on net neutrality. The Senate CRA resolution of disapproval stands at 50 supporters, including Republican Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine.). U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle's (PA-14) resolution in the House of Representatives currently has 150 co-sponsors.

Last year, the FCC voted along party lines to approve Chairman Ajit Pai's proposal that guts the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from blocking, slowing down, or discriminating against content online. Repealing these net neutrality rules could lead to higher prices for consumers, slower internet traffic, and even blocked websites. A recent poll showed that 83 percent of Americans do not approve of the FCC's action to repeal net neutrality rules.

“Too many New Mexicans are already stuck in an internet slow lane, and the Trump FCC's attack on net neutrality on behalf of the special interests will only make things worse," said Sen. Udall. “The open internet is an essential tool for entrepreneurship, economic activity, and free expression. Gutting net neutrality will deepen the digital divide and will hurt small business owners and low-income and working families across New Mexico. I encourage Republicans in Congress to join with us in this effort to reinstate net neutrality and ensure the internet is free and open for all Americans." "

“A free and open internet is essential to fostering innovation and education, and promoting civic engagement. As a staunch supporter of net neutrality, I was appalled that the FCC chose to ignore the comments of millions of Americans, including many from New Mexico, who want to keep these protections in place," said Sen. Heinrich. “I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to correct the Commission's misguided and partisan decision and fight for rules that ensure free speech, protect consumers, and preserve competition. This is our best possible chance to stand with Americans who have made their voices heard loud and clear in support of net neutrality."

“A free and open internet is essential to a free and open society, which is why we must protect net neutrality," said Rep. Luján. “The internet has revolutionized the way we do business, promoted entrepreneurship and innovation, changed how we learn, and strengthened our ability to access information. We must act to keep this innovative spirit alive and to protect consumers by ensuring strong net neutrality protections to prevent internet service providers from blocking or throttling internet content."

“I join with my colleagues to prevent internet service providers from unfairly discriminating against companies and consumers. I am committed to upholding net neutrality and increasing free and open internet access to grow the state’s economy, create jobs, boost wages, help our students learn, and so much more,” said Rep. Lujan Grisham. 

The FCC's rule repealing net neutrality was published in the Federal Register last week, leaving 60 legislative days to seek a vote on the Senate floor on the CRA resolutions. The Senate resolution has more than enough support to force an up or down vote on the Senate floor, and is just one vote away from the simple majority of 51 senators needed for passage.

A copy of the CRA resolution can be found here.