Heinrich Votes To Save Net Neutrality

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) voted to reverse President Trump and the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) repeal of net neutrality rules that protect a free and open internet. The bipartisan resolution to save net neutrality passed the Senate by a vote of 52 to 47. Without congressional action, net neutrality protections will officially end next month.

“A free and open internet is essential to fostering innovation and education, and promoting civic engagement,” said Sen. Heinrich. “I stand with the thousands of New Mexicans and millions of Americans who raised their voices in an unprecedented grassroots effort to oppose the FCC’s decision to dismantle net neutrality rules. Successfully passing our resolution in the Senate sends a clear message to the FCC that it should correct its misguided and partisan decision and fight for rules that ensure free speech, protect consumers, and preserve competition.”

Last year’s decision by President Trump’s designated FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to overturn the Open Internet Rule, which established strong net neutrality protections, could raise prices for consumers and allow internet service providers to set up fast and slow lanes online, blocking or slowing down traffic for certain web content. Small businesses and creative entrepreneurs in New Mexico could face significant obstacles in the pay-to-play environment created by the FCC's proposal, and all internet users could pay more or experience slower broadband speed and blocked content.