The FCC voted to eliminate net neutrality in December, but now the Senate may be very close to passing a resolution that seeks to restore the Obama-era regulations, according to The Washington Post.
When an independent agency makes a decision like the one the FCC made to eliminate net neutrality, Congress has 60 legislative days to reverse it.
As of Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that all 49 Democrats, plus one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, supported a resolution to restore net neutrality.
“With full caucus support, it’s clear that Democrats are 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,” Schumer said.
Schumer and other supporters of the resolution still have to convince one more Republican senator to get on board, and even if it passes the Senate, it must pass the Republican House and be signed by President Donald Trump.
The issue of net neutrality has elicited strong responses from supporters of the regulations, leading to harassment and security concerns for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who has canceled two public appearances recently.
Pai said protesters have even targeted his home and children over the issue.
“I understand people are passionate about policy, but the one thing in America that should remain sacred is that families, wives and kids, should remain out of it," Pai said. “And stop harassing us at our homes.”
