The Internet Distinction

Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee are crying foul over GOP efforts to overturn federal Internet neutrality rules.

In a letter to the committee’s Republican leaders, the Democrats ask that the resolution of disapproval, which was introduced under the Congressional Review Act, be reintroduced as a regular bill.

The CRA gives lawmakers a limited amount of time to try to overturn federal regulations after they are issued, but does not allow for amendments.

“The process you propose would deprive members of one of their most fundamental rights: the right to offer amendments,” the letter states. “We recognize there is disagreement about the role of the Commission with respect to the Internet, but we do not believe that justifies denying us the right to amend your legislation.”

A markup is scheduled immediately after a hearing on Wednesday. Although members may propose amendments, they will not be considered germane, under the rules.

House Democrats called for the hearing on the resolution of disapproval, which Republicans introduced in an effort to remove the new regulations.

Witnesses at the hearing will include a representative of AT&T, which has split from fellow telecom carrier Verizon and has said it is satisfied with the net neutrality rules as they were approved by the Federal Communications Commission in December.

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