Net Neutrality Supporters Drop by Congressional Home Offices in All 50 States
WASHINGTON — Net Neutrality supporters from all 50 states visited congressional home offices to drop off petitions and letters and voice strong support for the Net Neutrality rules recently approved by the Federal Communications Commission.
In the last two days, supporters visited more than 100 offices as members of Congress were home from Washington on spring recess. Some activists dropped off petitions signed by local constituents. Others spoke to staff about the importance of protecting the open Internet and supporting the FCC's February ruling.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler was called before Congress on five occasions in March to defend the agency's decision to reclassify Internet access under Title II of the Communications Act, a move that protects Internet users from content throttling, blocking or interference by their Internet service provider. Some members of Congress have attacked the ruling, which is supported by millions of Internet users across the country.
“It was incredibly easy to reach out to a representative on an important issue,” said Anthony Looper from Louisville, Ky., who dropped in on Rep. Brett Guthrie's office. "That's something I would want everyone to know. At any level you can take action for an important cause. You can get involved in the solution."
“While members of Congress were home over break, Free Press Action Fund members in all 50 states visited their offices to tell them to stand with the millions of Americans who demand real Net Neutrality,” said Free Press Action Fund Organizer Julia Graber. “The FCC heard our concerns and ruled to reclassify broadband access providers as common carriers. This was a win for the open Internet that people everywhere will protect. Members of Congress who side with the phone and cable lobby are on the wrong side of history. They need to get back in line with the people and support free speech and equal opportunity online.”
“This week, hundreds of Demand Progress members from San Diego to Attleboro, Massachusetts, delivered a unified message to members of Congress in their home districts: Strong Net Neutrality rules are crucial to the health of a democratic society, and must be protected,” said Demand Progress Executive Director David Segal. “With Big Cable and ISPs filing lawsuits and spending top dollar to overturn the FCC's historic decision earlier this year, constituents cannot and will not relent in their active support for the cause.”
The office visits were coordinated by the Free Press Action Fund and Demand Progress.
