WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, moments after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to kill net neutrality, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in unveiling a plan to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to effectively invalidate the FCC’s action and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. 

The FCC’s vote of 3 to 2 fell along party lines, with Trump-appointed Chairman Ajit Pai and Republican Commissioners Brendan Carr and Michael O’Rielly voting in favor of the order, and Democratic Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel voting against.

“Today’s partisan vote could be the start of more restrictive access to the Internet, and Congress must not let that happen.  Congress has the power to overturn this decision and ensure the Internet remains open and free for the American people,” said Reed.  “I urge my colleagues to support this CRA and invalidate the FCC’s ruling.  This is important for our citizens, consumers, and free speech.”

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) requires that all federal agency rules be reported to Congress and allows lawmakers 60 legislative working days to nix administrative federal regulations through an act of Congress with a simple majority in both chambers.  Legislators of either party can petition to reverse agency rulings, after which Congress must consider a “resolution of disapproval” with a simple majority in the Senate.

The resolution of disapproval would rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s decision and fully restore the Open Internet Order.  In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, the Senators will formally introduce the resolution once the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the Federal Register.

There are plans to introduce a CRA resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives as well. 

A copy of the CRA can be found HERE.