Rep. Gabbard Votes to Reinstate Net Neutrality

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted to pass H.R.1644, the Save the Internet Act on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. She is an original cosponsor of the bill. The Act would undo the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality, and includes enhanced transparency protections, restoring specific rules against blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization. It would empower the FCC to investigate consumer and business complaints, and, when necessary, fine internet service providers for violations of the Communications Act.

The legislation passed the House on nearly partisan lines by a vote of 232-190. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“Today’s vote and passage of the Save the Internet Act is a stand against the pervasive influence of corporate interests in our democracy and the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality,” said Rep. Gabbard. “It will help to provide fair and open access to the Internet, ensure the free flow of information, and prevent big companies from stifling competition online. This bill also restores vital FCC authority to bring broadband—especially the educational and economic opportunities it provides—to rural and tribal communities to address the fact that nearly a quarter of the people in these communities do not have access to broadband internet services at home.”

Background: Rep. Gabbard has been an outspoken supporter of net neutrality as it has been challenged in the courts and through the FCC. She warned against FCC efforts to unravel  net neutrality during the Trump Administration’s tenure and called out the FCC for its December 2017 vote that established rules dismantling net neutrality. She has cosponsored legislation in past Congresses to support net neutrality including H.J.Res.129 (115th) and the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2015 as well as opposedRepublican legislative efforts to undermine it.