Net Neutrality Gets a Boost in House
Net neutrality supporters received a boost Thursday after the House Judiciary Committee approved a measure that would make it illegal for Internet providers to charge for priority access to their networks. All 14 Democrats were joined by six Republicans to pass the proposal 20-13.
"When this market power is utilized to violate the nondiscriminatory features that drive Internet innovation and consumer choice, an antitrust remedy is clearly needed," said Wisconsin Republican Rep, F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., committee head and sponsor of the bill.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a similar bill last month, however the Judicial Committee's version is the stricter of the two. The issue of net neutrality has become one of the most divisive issues as Congress attempts to revise the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Some type of provision to ban companies from playing favorites with net content has been lobbied extensively for by Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and others. As to be expected, the passage of the proposal was met by opposition in the telecommunications industry.
"The committee members understand that this misguided and reckless legislation could hamper investment and innovation and limit consumer choice," United States Telecom Association president and CEO Walter McCormick said.
The industry claims that they have no intention to create a two-tier content delivery system, but are fighting for control of their networks. Internet providers say they should have the right to charge companies who are using more bandwidth-intensive applications, such as audio and video.
It is unclear if the bill will have the votes to pass the entire House. A majority of Republicans seem to be against net neutrality, as well as several Democrats.
Additionally, the Republican leadership needs to decide whether to combine the two bills, bring both up for a vote, or let them sit in committee.
Such a tactic is often used for unpopular bills in an attempt to sweep them under the table in favor of legislation that will pass easier.