Government

House Votes to Repeal Net Neutrality

House Votes to Repeal Net NeutralityWASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans adamant that the government keep its hands off the Internet passed a bill Friday to repeal federal rules barring Internet service providers from blocking or interfering with traffic on their networks.

Republicans, in voting to repeal rules on “network neutrality” set down by the Federal Communications Commission, said the FCC lacked the authority to promulgate the rules. They disputed the need to intervene in an already open Internet and warned that the rules would stifle investment in broadband systems.

“The FCC power grab would allow it to regulate any interstate communication service on barely more than a whim and without any additional input from Congress,” said Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., sponsor of the legislation. The Internet, he added, “is open and innovative thanks to the government’s hands-off approach.”

But in what has become a largely partisan battle, the Democrat-controlled Senate is not expected to go along with the House. Sen. John D. Rockefeller, D-W.Va., chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said he was “disappointed that House leadership wants to undo the integrity of the FCC’s process and unravel their good work.”

Even if it cleared Congress, the White House has threatened to veto a bill it said puts in doubt whether “the democratic spirit of the Internet will remain intact.”

Rep. Henry Waxman of California, top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said nullifying the FCC rules would “give big phone and cable companies control over what websites Americans can visit, what applications they can run and what devices they can use.”

The vote to pass the bill, mainly along party lines, was 240-179.

The FCC rules were adopted on a 3-2 vote last December after years of debate over the federal role in ensuring a free and open Internet. The FCC’s three Democrats voted in support and its two Republicans opposed.

While generally seen as a compromise between technology companies fearing provider limitations on their access to the Internet and the big phone and cable companies insisting they need flexibility to manage Internet traffic, the rules drew a quick legal challenge from Verizon Communications Inc., which said the FCC had overstepped its authority.

A year ago a federal appeals court also ruled that the FCC exceeded its authority in sanctioning Comcast Corp. for discriminating against online file-sharing traffic Comcast said was clogging its network.

The rules prohibit phone and cable companies from favoring or discriminating against Internet content and services, including online calling services such as Skype and Web video services such as Netflix that could compete with their core operations. They require broadband providers to let subscribers access all legal online content.

They do give providers flexibility to manage data on their systems to deal with network congestion and unwanted traffic as long as they publicly disclose those practices. They do not specifically ban “paid prioritization,” where a provider might charge more for faster transmission of data, but they outlaw “unreasonable network discrimination.”

Wireless carriers are also barred from blocking access to any websites or competing services, but they are given more leeway to manage data traffic because wireless systems have less network bandwidth.

Even supporters acknowledged that the rules are mainly about preserving the status quo of a system that is generally working well.

But absent the rules, said Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., “there would be a major shift in power on the Internet to the broadband providers from the content providers.”

He said there was legitimate fear among nonprofit and religious groups that they would be consigned to a lower tier because they could not pay a higher price for premium service. “So your Web page from Nike might load faster than your Web page from the Catholic Church because, if there was tiered access, who would be more likely to pay for the speed of the access?”

He also cited the actions of autocratic states such as China in blocking Internet content in saying the government must make clear that providers cannot discriminate against customers because of political or philosophical differences.

The bill is H.J.Res. 37

Online:

Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov

Comments (124)

  • riseandshine
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:39pm

    how do you repeal what isn’t legal to begin with

    Report Post » riseandshine  
    • KatyDidIt
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:24pm

      My question EXACTLY!!!! Just how DO they go about doing that? and…more importantly…WHO CAN STOP IT TO BEGIN WITH??????????

      Report Post » KatyDidIt  
  • JQCitizen
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:39pm

    Oh, yes Mr. Obama Inc.; – We REALLY believe that Kindly Old Uncle Sam is looking out for our freedom more than the service providers who actually NEED to please a customer base to keep their competitive edge. ( RIGHT!!!)

    Report Post »  
  • leary1
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:38pm

    net neutrality= more gov. intervention,more gov employees,more spending, LOSS OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH, now do you airheads get it ??

    Report Post »  
  • Susan Harkins
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:37pm

    Keep it up, guys!

    We have a long haul, with everything these socialists “undid” with our country, over the past few years.

    Report Post » Susan Harkins  
  • wolffhe
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:36pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post »  
    • sodizzy
      Posted on April 9, 2011 at 12:55am

      I think it was the exposure of the plan for a Caliphate that fried him.

      Report Post » mlcblog  
  • fishstx777
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:35pm

    Watching the masters bored to tears, fox has become irrelevant to me. In all the madness a little truth is somehow let out, a wierd rumor has it murdochs wife hates glenn beck and this is why he was removed, I wouldnt doubt this.

    Report Post »  
    • demint.disciple
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:10pm

      Which liberal pundit did you hear that from ?

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • fishstx777
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 11:41pm

      Do you think beck left is on his own?As for murdochs wife google it. it was asked she did not defend glen beck.I am a big fan of glen becksome thing didnt jive the last month on tv his stories were not covered by fox the last month, especially the steven lerner story do you think that wasnt weird.word went out he was isolated, he became to extreme to some bigwig on fox and was shut down, and the chicken crap media one out.And I do believe beck will be back on tv again but not with fox.

      Report Post »  
  • lukeshop
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:34pm

    This may not be exactly connected to the actual subject matter – - However – - Let it be known that I tuned to FOX to see his special program on Israel – - And low and behold – - Glenn was dumped!!!!
    After I finish this message, I will be tuning to CNN. Screw you,, FOX!!!~

    Report Post » lukeshop  
    • NJONY
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:53pm

      I agrree with you. I was all set to see Glenn’s show and wow more on the government shutdiown. I say let the government shut down. At least they can pass any liberal bills while it is shut down.

      Instead of watching the “SpeciaL Report” I got on the internet to see what going on in Beck’s world.

      Report Post » NJONY  
    • AmeriCat
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 7:51pm

      Agree. Just a time filler to prevent the world from seeing “I Stand With Israel.!
      But it is supposed to be aired in his second time slot.

      Report Post »  
  • pablodez
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:33pm

    This SHOULD be a bipartisan issue!

    Report Post »  
  • NC
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:29pm

    The house voting to repeal is meaningless. The law still stands. Until the GOP takes majority in the senate and/or the GOP takes the white house, the house is simply ******* in the wind.

    NC (wondering how many posts will elapse before it is questioned why they house is voting in net neutrality instead of focusing on the impending gov’t shutdown)

    Report Post » NC  
  • momprayn
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:26pm

    Yeah, Glenn isn’t on, sad — but I’m watching FBN – Willis Report & it’s interesting….talking about the Tea Party’s position now……I think Glenn said he won’t be on next week either.
    Oh – re this — great —- keep on trying Repubs !!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • BetterDays
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:23pm

    If the democrats in congress go against this bill they will be vilified by there own base. This is one instance wher conservatives and progressives agree, FCC back OFF! But bare in mind that the progressive socialist‘s don’t care who they go after, it’s their way or none at all. My last statement should clue us in to where all this mess ends up.
    Side note:
    No Glenn because FOX thinks we want to watch the bickersons? I’m watching nothing at all instead of FOX, hope the ratings for the 5pm slot tank!

    Report Post »  
    • mary12153
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:20pm

      I turned a Oprah – GASP!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • AmeriCat
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 7:48pm

      We watched TLC…where Sarah Palin did her Alaska special.
      Deliberately turned OFF FOX!

      Report Post »  
  • april 12 1861
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:20pm

    That’s one step forward.

    Report Post » april 12 1861  
  • IMaTELLaU
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:20pm

    DEFUND THE FCC! They are trying to kill… information access, truth, grass roots keeping up with the lies of the main stream media!!! Free citizens are the enemies of nobama administration!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Revere2
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:16pm

    More government control is not what we need ughhh !

    Report Post » Revere2  
  • justice
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:13pm

    Fcc,EPA,Education, Dept. of Agriculture!

    Report Post »  
  • Larry E
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:10pm

    I‘m sure that we’ll hear Harry “the Whiner” Reid and other genius Demorats wailing about this because after all without “net neutrality” how will the internet ever become a success. Besides without “net neutrality” those nasty conservatives will be able to put things out that offend the left’s delicate sensibilities.

    Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:28pm

      Larry,
      The fact that we conservatives even exist is offensive to Prince Harry!! I would love to strip him of all money, ID and any jewelry, stuff him a box and FedEx him to some third world country. After having to get by without his “elitism”, having to exist in the conditions he is setting America up for, he may just change his point of view. Net neutrality would be the last thing on his mind.

      Report Post » 8jrts  
  • Spyndoc
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:07pm

    Censored i-net; It’s working really well for China….

    Report Post » Spyndoc  
  • ares338
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:05pm

    Obummer will find a way around it somehow.

    Report Post » ares338  
  • rienheart
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:01pm

    Congress finally have some Cajones.
    IMPEACH OBAMA

    Report Post »  
  • Dale
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:00pm

    I hope someone in the House is reading: you must stop relinquishing your responsibilities to bureaucrats to write regulations – YOU MUST WRITE THEM!

    Report Post » Dale  
  • DevotedDad
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:00pm

    Perhaps one of the greatest tools of our modern day era is the internet and the unrestricted access that is available to everyone. enjoy it while you can. Once the Government gets their tentacles into it, it will be ruined forever.

    Report Post » DevotedDad  
  • Lantern
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:59pm

    EPA next?

    Report Post » Lantern  
  • geonj
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:58pm

    we don’t need fcc regulations, we need legislative representation and the free market to be allowed to work.

    Report Post » geonj  
    • KatyDidIt
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:23pm

      YOU ARE CORRECT, SIR!!! ***THANK YOU*** for posting that. :)

      Report Post » KatyDidIt  
  • VotersOfNY
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:57pm

    That’s it, keep putting up bills that the majority of the people are for and let the Democraps dig their own graves by opposing them. Don’t stop until we get rid of every last stupid Democrap. Yeah.

    Report Post » VotersOfNY  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:30pm

      Exactly. My question is this. On this issue alone, the people that vote for democrats should be livid. How do they not see their own ignorance? Who in their right mind wants more govt. interference?

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:05pm

      I agree VOTER … LIberty!

      Let them show who is trying to control EVERYTHING!

      Report Post »  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Excelent. Now keep hammering away at Obama’s usurpation of the Constitution.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:05pm

      Kind of O/T:
      Why is Fox not showing Beck now ?
      Who wants to see pompous politicians all day ?
      Are you really that stupid FNC ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • SLAPTHELEFT
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:14pm

      These guys are on a roll. Keep it going now. We are not Venezuela as mark lloyd wouldlike us to be. But hey mark, please feel free to go see hugo and enjoy all the wonders of that great country. Feel free to stay as well.

      Report Post » SLAPTHELEFT  
    • SLAPTHELEFT
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:16pm

      @cheezwhiz

      Because todays show was “in defense of Israel.”

      May have to record at 2am.

      Report Post » SLAPTHELEFT  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:17pm

      Just keep going on these Democratic destructive bills even though we know they won’t go thru,At least there will be a record of who voted for and against and will help us in the next election.It is a such a shame we do not have a Republican controlled Senate also. Of course the Pres. will veto but it would be there when we get our Republican President. I pray I pray

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:25pm

      SLAPTHELEFT
      @cheezwhiz
      Because todays show was “in defense of Israel.”
      ———–
      and we know how much Hussin errr…er.. Mr bin-Talal luuuuuuuvs Israel :-(

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Showtime
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:25pm

      Hooray! (Wonder what that cost us, though?!)

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:27pm

      Now only two other obstacles remain, the Senate and Obama himself. I feel though that even if the net neutrality is done away with by legislation, Obama will just go via the backdoor of regulation and executive fiat to make it happen again.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • wolffhe
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:30pm

      I have been thinking about canceling my Directv, the only thing I watch is glen and fox news. I was going to suggest people cancel theirs in protest for Glenn, but everyone will worry about not being able to watch their fav shows. Which we are probably supporting a lib group. But my cost has went from $65 to $89 and I am getting tired of paying for shows I don’t support and they are taking of the one show I do. But maybe if a few million people cancel, they will call us back and give a lower rate and maybe let us choose the programs we support so we know what we are paying for. Don’t know about the rest of you but I have had it, with them using money to get rid of something I like but keep the shows they want us to watch. Good luck to all. Maybe someone will do a boycott on them for once, they do it and they seem to be winning

      Report Post »  
    • ds7
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:41pm

      where is glenn today? why do we have a bunch of talking heads and politicos when glenn should be on? last thing i want on my TV is an idiot like clyburn.

      will FOX run the scheduled show at 12:00 am MST?

      Report Post » ds7  
    • NOBALONEY
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:45pm

      @CHEEZWHIZ Good bet he’ll be on at 2am eastern, set dvr.

      Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:48pm

      Keep It Up, GOP! Dismantle Everything Obama!

      Report Post »  
    • Ella
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:50pm

      I am very mad that Glenn Beck was preempted by just so much drivel. who needs to hear hours and hours of speculation about what will happen at midnight. No one knows until it happens. Fox, you could have aired Glenn as usual and then at 6pm pick up with the political bull.

      Report Post »  
    • dgboy
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:50pm

      None of these bills the Repubs are putting through will survive a veto from Obamanation. We need to put somebody new in the White House in 2012 to get these things reversed.

      Report Post »  
    • Ella
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:53pm

      Slap the Left that’s exactly what my husband said – because today’s show is on Israel. well guess what fox. No glenn – no fox. My TV is now off.

      Report Post »  
    • demint.disciple
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:55pm

      WHIZ, Glenn said he wasnt going to be on tonight , they are on vaca and doing a show somewhere.. He’ll be there monday.. Better get used to it… The transition has started already, you know

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • Deane
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:55pm

      good for the Republicans….let them see how you’ve changed from the RINO republicans we have seen in the past to the new conservative freedom loving representatives you are becoming

      now get some balls on the budget and stick to your original 60+Billion dollars in cuts…let the people know who is for America and who is against…we need to build on what we’ve accomplished in Nov 2010

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:04pm

      Yes they were Cheez … I actually fell asleep … I NEVER sleep from 5 to 6 .. or usually during the “day” .. but they put me right OUT!

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:05pm

      Repeal the whole damn government except the military…and bring them home.

      Report Post »  
    • ExpertShot
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:11pm

      I watched the debate on this today on the Fox live stream…the democrats contradicted themselves time after time & I applauded the Republican Congressman from Oregon (can’t recall his name right now)…he called them on their contradictions. He even brought up the fact that Iran & China have government controlled internet & we don’t want to be like that.

      Report Post » ExpertShot  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:16pm

      @ Cheezwhiz i agree i was disapointed that Glenn wasn’t on

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:22pm

      demint.disciple
      WHIZ, Glenn said he wasnt going to be on tonight ,
      ———–
      When did that happen ? I watched yesterday night and there was nothing mentioned about being off-air.
      Something doesn’t smell right @ Fox , its not even a breaking news event that caused GB’s show to be pulled today.

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • ltb
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 7:08pm

      Big deal! Republicans are still playing games. This bill won’t even make to the floor of the Senate for a vote, but even if it did and, by some miracle passed, Obama would veto it. Republicans know that. I’m still insulted that they are caving in to Democrats who only want $38 billion in cuts from Obama’s $3.7 TRILLION budget. Boehner should have demanded $610 billion in cuts, not $61 billion, and then maybe they could have met in the middle. Let’s stop applauding and instead demand that they set the bar a little higher… no, a lot higher.

      Report Post » ltb  
    • AmeriCat
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 7:45pm

      Today, FOX canceled Glenn’s showing of “I Stand With Israel.”
      Instead, a 2 hour FAKE “special” on the looming budget vote….
      Nothing new…just a time filler. Hmm…a program on the plight of Israel..canceled.

      But, GOOD NEWS. “Today’s show is supposed to be on at the second showing,
      as per each time zone: ? 11 p.m., 2 a.m.
      We DO stand with Israel, and will not only record, but also stay up to watch it.

      Actually, had a gathering here.
      We were gong to watch “I Stand With Israel” together.

      Report Post »  
    • dawg of gawd
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 8:03pm

      How could they vote to repeal it. Nobody knows what it is. Oh, wait, yes I do. It’s a series of tubes!

      Report Post » dawg of gawd  
    • foobear
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 8:17pm

      No, it’s not “excellent”.

      Stop drinking the Kool-Aid, ignore everything Glen Beck has said about it, and read about it from people who *actually know what they’re talking about*, the EFF:
      https://www.eff.org/issues/net-neutrality

      Report Post » foobear  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 8:32pm

      @cheezwhiz… EXACTLY what I was wondering.. I am SICK of FOX taking off GLENN’S show for trivial blather of no real importance.. all they have to do is let us know IF the government is open or not.. we don’t have to have a minute by minute what IF .. or WHO said what.. which has NO bearing on anything.. this is NOT the first time FOX did this but as soon as GLEN goes off I will go too.. I paid my cable bill to see regular scheduled shows and unless we are getting bombed I expect to get what I paid for.. it’s 7:30 and they STILL don’t know if the government will be open or closed.. so what was the point???

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • Deutscher
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 8:41pm

      @isle.

      I am curious if you understand the issue of net neutrality. It is a bit technical and much misunderstood. Now I have nit seen this particular legislation, but if you are for the access you currently have to data, net neutrality may be necessary to keep it. It addresses problems which may not exist but will surely arise as providers improve networks and need a way to pay for the build-outs. Without it a scenario could arise where traffic is preferentially routed to say msnbc rather than The Blaze for web searchs.

      Report Post »  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 8:46pm

      @70S_KIDS_FIGHTING_SOCIALISM.. well in that case I can save a lot of money on my cable bill when I go for a smaller package.. the only reason I got the one I did was because I wanted to watch GLEN and I have noticed more MINDLESS guests on FOX lately.. they did this once before I remember when they had the black audience on I beleive.. they did run it over the week end but since we can’t depend on FOX to be a station of honor..and to show the scheduled shows on time I don’t need to watch them.. BTW I notice O‘Rieley was on in his time slot and they STILL don’t know IF the government will stay open or not and the politicians are still blaming each others.. so there was NO point in taking off Glenn’s show..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • nptden
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 9:24pm

      Time to re-visit the ‘birther’ issue they keep wanting to ‘minimize’. Also, Barry‘s ’college records’. Time he was ‘really’ vetted…May just be the biggest ‘scam’ in our political history.

      Report Post » nptden  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 10:35pm

      I thought the courts said FCC did not have authority to regulate internet? Why is Mark Lloyd writing Net Neutrality regs? he is suppose to be diversity czar not the head of the FCC.

      Report Post »  
    • sodizzy
      Posted on April 9, 2011 at 12:54am

      DeMint Disciple

      Beck had announced an exciting Friday show with Pastor John Hegee. It seems to have been preempted by network news.

      This reminds me of when Lee Rodgers was ousted from KSFO in San Francisco. Muslim ownership.

      Report Post » mlcblog  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on April 9, 2011 at 4:32am

      Except FOX didn’t play it at 2 AM ET…at least at 11 PM PT RED EYE was on in place of GLENN…
      STUPID FOX

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • DarthVader
      Posted on April 9, 2011 at 2:26pm

      Net Neutrality is good for people. Look into it. Telcos want to screw up the open principles of the internet. Big corporations trying to control who gets speedy access once on the internet. Startups will not be able to compete anymore since they wouldn’t be able to afford the tiered system. Net Neutrality is good. The people that want to defeat Net Netutrality are the corporations and the idiots who believe their propaganda. Don’t be stupid, look into it.

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on April 9, 2011 at 4:12pm

      DEUTCHER and DARTHVADER, I wasn’t going to post here. I lost hope that anyone understands what “net neutrality” means, BUT YOU GET IT! The goal is to KEEP THE INTERNET NEUTRAL, like it is! Everybody should be FOR NET NEUTRALITY except big corporate interest groups…

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on April 9, 2011 at 4:14pm

      Hello…simple solution. House passes a reform bill. Senate votes it down. House passes reform bill. Squeaks by the Senate…Obama vetos. And the beat goes on and on and on. Next scenario. Republicans have control of the House, the Senate and the White house. Do nothing to reform anything the previous progressive Administration has done. Make excuses. Can’t seem to rally their own. Instead, they just sit on their thumbs and complain or threaten to take tough action but cave at the end because they are not popular in the eyes of the media. and the beat goes on and on and on.

      Report Post »  
    • DarthVader
      Posted on April 10, 2011 at 3:31am

      @tifosa

      Glad to see your post. Keep posting, especially when most people are wrong, that’s when we are needed:) Some people are trying to convince us that Net Neutrality somehow hurts regular people, what a lie!!!

      Report Post »  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on April 10, 2011 at 4:01am

      “…The rules prohibit phone and cable companies from favoring or discriminating against Internet content and services….”

      Can’t we just say “…The rules prohibit free enterprise….”?

      Report Post » GETLIFE  

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