In the wake of the Federal Communications Commission’s vote to repeal Net Neutrality, officials and representatives across the country are mobilizing to fight the decision.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is leading a multi-state lawsuit against the FCC to overturn what he dubbed “an early Christmas present” for “Big Telecom.” Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has voiced his support, touting “a strong legal argument” that he believes will show that the government has failed to uphold the law in the matter of repealing Net Neutrality. Santa Clara, California County Supervisor Joe Simitian is among other officials to publicly declare their opposition, firmly asserting that “the depth of your ideas should outweigh the depths of your pockets.”
The bipartisan effort to push back on the FCC ruling is supported by legislators as well. Senators Scott Wiener and Bernie Sanders, as well as Representatives Mike Coffman and Marsha Blackburn, have voiced their dissent. Blackburn, who at first praised Ajit Pai and the FCC, went so far as to tweet a video which cemented her stance on the issue.
She has promised to help “codify the need for no blocking, no throttling, and [make] certain that we preserve that free and open Internet.” According to Ars Technica reporting, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington are also joining the lawsuit.
According to polls, an overwhelming majority — on both sides of the aisle — oppose the FCC’s repeal of Net Neutrality protection. Of the surveyed voters, “83% opposed repealing net neutrality, including 75% of Republicans, as well as 89% of Democrats and 86% of independents.” Now, it appears that elected officials have decided to represent those voters’ concerns.
In the days leading up to its repeal, Comcast made its own stance clear, handily eliminating a lip-service pledge against the internet “fast lanes” that Net Neutrality prohibits as soon as the FCC announced their intent to vote.
One thing is certain: This argument is a long way from over.
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