House of Representatives set to vote on net neutrality

The fate of net neutrality rests in the hands of representatives in the House. A vote to reinstate net neutrality rules is set for today.

If passed, the bill is “expected to 100 percent completely overturn Ajit Pai’s disastrous repeal,” which gives internet providers the ability to block or slow internet content and offer paid “fast lanes,” Reuters reported.

“Despite the terrible decision from Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Ajit Pai – a former Verizon lawyer – it’s clear that people all across the political spectrum want net neutrality,” Mary Alice Crim, field director for Free Press Action, said. “But we’ll win only if all of us take action and contact our reps. Are you in? Could you make a call today – and help make history?”

Grass roots organizations are asking constituents to call their representatives and pressure them to vote in favor of Save the Internet Act and restore net neutrality protections. So far the bill has 197 co-sponsors in the House, but needs at least 218 to pass, Common Dreams reported.

“Any lawmaker who doesn’t want to invoke the wrath of their constituents should vote for its clean passage on the House floor,” Evan Greer, deputy director of Fight for the Future, said.

On Monday, the White House said that Trump’s advisers would recommend he veto Save the Internet act if it passed the House. Reuters reported that the White House said in a statement that it “strongly opposes” the bill because the internet would “return to the heavy-handed regulatory approach of the previous administration.”

Fight for the Future will livestream the House vote today. Tune in and watch: