Rep. Antonio Delgado Helps Introduce Legislation to Restore Net Neutrality

Statement

U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) signed on as an original cosponsor to the bicameral Save the Internet Act, which restores the net neutrality protections that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) repealed last year. Without net neutrality, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have the ability to completely block, slow down, or charge extra when consumers are visiting websites. Net neutrality protections require ISPs to treat all sites equally in order to ensure a free and open internet.

"Whether you're a business owner trying to get your job done or a student working on your homework, your internet speed and access shouldn't depend on the winners or losers that your internet provider picks," Delgado said. "The rural communities in my district already struggle enough with internet access. I'm very glad to be joining the efforts in the House and Senate that will support rural communities here and enshrine broadly-supported, commonsense net neutrality protections into law."

The "Save the Internet" Act codifies the FCC's 2015 Open Internet Order. It mirrors legislation that passed the Senate and had bipartisan support in the House last year. Specifically, the bill:

Strengthens transparency protections, enacting specific rules against blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization, and empowers the FCC to investigate consumer and business complaints and fine internet service providers for violations of the Communications Act;
Protects consumers against unjust, unreasonable, and discriminatory practices, and promotes competition;
Ensures consumers can make informed decisions when shopping for internet plans; and
Restores the FCC's authority to fund broadband access for rural communities, working Americans, veterans, seniors, students and disabled Americans.

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