Senate Democrats have put together 50 votes for a measure meant to block the Federal Communications Commission's December decision to end net neutrality rules put in place by the Obama administration.
Democrats are just one GOP vote shy of the 51-vote threshold for a Senate resolution of disapproval, which would strike down the FCC's December rules change.
"With full caucus support," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said, "it's clear that Democrats are committed to fighting to keep the internet from becoming the Wild West where ISPs are free to offer premium service to only the wealthiest customers while average consumers are left with far inferior options."
The Democrats' effort won the support of its first Republican backer, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), last Tuesday.
(Score: 1) by fustakrakich on Wednesday January 17 2018, @07:48PM (7 children)
It was Obama policy, overturned by Ajit, Trump's man at the FCC, on purpose, as part of long-standing Republican policy.
Yeah, well, everybody helps their own. What party was it that appointed this guy to the FCC?
La politica e i criminali sono la stessa cosa..
(Score: 5, Informative) by DeathMonkey on Wednesday January 17 2018, @08:05PM (6 children)
What party was it that appointed this guy to the FCC?
Republicans
(Score: 2, Informative) by fustakrakich on Wednesday January 17 2018, @08:47PM (5 children)
*ahem* [fcc.gov]
He had previously served as Commissioner at the FCC, appointed by then-President Barack Obama and confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate in May 2012.
Don't shoot!
La politica e i criminali sono la stessa cosa..
(Score: 4, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday January 17 2018, @09:33PM (4 children)
*ahem* [wikipedia.org]
In 2011, Pai was then nominated for a Republican Party position on the Federal Communications Commission by President Barack Obama at the recommendation of Minority leader Mitch McConnell.
Imagine the shitstorm if Obama refused the recommendation for a Republican position.
(Score: 1) by fustakrakich on Wednesday January 17 2018, @09:49PM (3 children)
He didn't have to pick that republican. He obviously should have listened to somebody besides McConnell. That was Obama's main problem, his predilection for appeasement. If he put up a fight, people would have respected him and the party a bit more. but, you know, business is business, and everybody just rolls with it...
La politica e i criminali sono la stessa cosa..
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Wednesday January 17 2018, @10:29PM
Politics is the art of the possible, said a great German once.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 4, Informative) by NewNic on Wednesday January 17 2018, @10:31PM (1 child)
You do know that the other two Republican nominees on the FCC voted for the repeal of the net neutrality regulations also, don't you? Why would you assume that any other Republican nominee would behave differently?
lib·er·tar·i·an·ism ˌlibərˈterēənizəm/ noun: Magical thinking that useful idiots mistake for serious political theory
(Score: 1) by fustakrakich on Wednesday January 17 2018, @11:06PM
Well, you have to depend on the luck of the draw. Democrats had their chance and blew it, and they're still passing blame.
La politica e i criminali sono la stessa cosa..