House Panel Rejects Effort to Defend Net Neutrality

WASHINGTON, DC — Today the House Appropriations Committee rejected a measure to fully fund the recently enacted Open Internet Order, a move that jeopardizes net neutrality and the FCC’s hard-fought efforts to protect consumers. Last week, Republicans introduced a spending bill that prohibits the FCC from implementing the Open Internet Order. The panel today rejected an amendment offered by Rep. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.) that would have removed the prohibition. New America’s Open Technology Institute (OTI)strongly opposes this legislation and joined dozens of groups and companies in a letter that urged the committee to adopt changes. The White House also opposes the bill, calling the anti-net neutrality language “highly problematic” and “ideological” in a letter released yesterday.

The following statement can be attributed to Joshua Stager, Policy Counsel for New America’s Open Technology Institute:

"We are disappointed by today’s vote and wish more members had voted to protect consumers and small businesses. As currently drafted, this bill jeopardizes our digital economy by tilting the Internet’s level playing field in favor of entrenched cable and telephone companies. We thank Congressman Serrano for his leadership and urge him to continue fighting for his amendment on the House floor.”

Expert Contact
Joshua Stager, Policy Counsel
stager@opentechinstitute.org