Markey, Wyden Planning Pro-Title II Net Neutrality Bill

2015 net neutrality rules. The measure, which was circulating in draft form Monday, would reinstate the FCC’s 2015 reclassification of broadband as a Communications Act Title II service. House Communications Subcommittee ranking member Doris Matsui, D-Calif., is leading work on a House companion, lobbyists told us. Markey and Wyden are prioritizing the bill now because of the Senate’s stalled confirmation process for FCC nominee Gigi Sohn (see 2206230066), which has meant the tied 2-2 commission hasn’t been able to proceed on any matter that's unlikely to get the support of at least one of the two GOP commissioners, lobbyists said. “It is more clear than ever that broadband internet is an essential utility,” a Markey spokesperson emailed. Markey “firmly believes” the FCC’s “authority should reflect that, so it can fulfill its obligations to the public by reinstating net neutrality rules, protecting consumers, and taking other critical steps to create a just digital future.” The FCC’s “rollback of net neutrality” under former Chairman Ajit Pai “was a huge loss for competition and privacy,” a Wyden spokesperson said. Wyden “still believes that net neutrality is the foundation of an open internet that works for everyone -- not just Big Cable and big incumbents.” Congress “should pass the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act and confirm Gigi Sohn to the FCC without further delay,” said Free Press Vice President-Policy Matt Wood in a statement. “It’s time for Senate leadership to end this senseless delay and get the agency back to full capacity.” It “was only during the Trump administration that the FCC … disavowed any authority to fulfill its congressional mandate to ensure all Americans have access to communications services,” said Public Knowledge Director-Government Affairs Greg Guice. “This legislation is more than just a bill for net neutrality. It will reinstate” the FCC “with the authority to promote policies to help consumers access broadband … as well as promote competition and public safety while strengthening the resiliency of these networks during disasters.” U.S. “broadband customers have waited far too long for Congress to step up and codify the important net neutrality principles that broadband providers already follow today,” said USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter. “But let’s be clear: any such legislation cannot and must not be a backdoor for government to regulate prices and degrade the consumer internet experience.” Any “potential government effort to regulate prices under the cover of net neutrality would hurt consumers, slow investment and stifle competition,” he said.