The clock is ticking on Net Neutrality.
The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday that President Obama’s strengthening of the key internet regulation will expire on June 11.
Commissioners had previously voted in December along party lines to roll back the 2015 Net Neutrality rules.
“The FCC is on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of the law, and the wrong side of the American people,” said Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
FCC Chair Ajit Pai remarked that the vote would end “heavy-handed, utility-style regulation” of cyberspace.
Polls have consistently shown that a large majority of Americans–including more than 75 percent of Republicans–support strong Net Neutrality rules.
On Wednesday, Senate Democrats moved to force a vote on the repeal of Chairman Pai’s initiative. Though Democrats are in the minority, the motion has the support of Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
With the ongoing absence of John McCain (R-Ariz.), it’s likely the vote will be carried 50-49 by supporters of stronger Net Neutrality rules. Under the Congressional Review Act, Senators must consider the motion by June 12, and it only needs a simple majority to advance.
Though the legislation has little chance of passing the House, that could change in January, if Democrats win big in November’s midterm elections.
Net Neutrality refers to rules that force telecoms providers to treat all internet traffic equally.
In 2015, the Obama administration strengthened the regulatory regime by classifying internet service providers (ISPs) as “common carriers” rather than “information services” under the Communications Act of 1934.
The distinction allowed the FCC to treat ISPs like utility companies, as Pai noted. The reversal of the move will relax stricter reporting requirements and reverse clear bans on the prioritization of content.
