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Restoring Internet Freedom Act

3/14/2024, 6:02 AM

Summary of Bill S 3119

The Restoring Internet Freedom Act, also known as Bill 118 s 3119, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The main goal of this bill is to repeal the regulations put in place by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2015, known as the Open Internet Order.

The Open Internet Order classified broadband internet as a utility under Title II of the Communications Act, giving the FCC more authority to regulate internet service providers (ISPs) and ensure that they treat all internet traffic equally. This was done in order to prevent ISPs from blocking or throttling certain websites or services, as well as from creating paid prioritization deals that would give certain content preferential treatment.

However, proponents of the Restoring Internet Freedom Act argue that these regulations are unnecessary and hinder innovation and investment in the broadband industry. They believe that the internet should be regulated under Title I of the Communications Act, which would give ISPs more freedom to manage their networks as they see fit. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that repealing the Open Internet Order would lead to a less open and competitive internet, where ISPs could potentially prioritize certain content over others and limit consumer choice. They believe that the regulations put in place by the FCC are necessary to ensure a level playing field for all internet users. Overall, the Restoring Internet Freedom Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked a heated debate about the future of net neutrality and the role of government regulation in the broadband industry. It remains to be seen how this bill will progress through Congress and what impact it will have on the internet landscape in the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 3119

Restoring Internet Freedom Act

This bill nullifies the proposed rule issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) titled Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet and published on November 3, 2023. The bill also prohibits the FCC from adopting any substantially similar rule absent express authorization from Congress. The proposed rule classifies broadband internet as a telecommunications service for purposes of FCC regulation and prohibits broadband providers from blocking or slowing traffic to lawful content and from engaging in paid prioritization arrangements. (These provisions are commonly referred to as net neutrality rules.)

Current Status of Bill S 3119

Bill S 3119 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since October 24, 2023. Bill S 3119 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on October 24, 2023.  Bill S 3119's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of October 24, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3119

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
10
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
10
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3119

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3119

Restoring Internet Freedom Act
Restoring Internet Freedom Act
A bill to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from reclassifying broadband internet access service as a telecommunications service and from imposing certain regulations on providers of such service.

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