Austin News

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz and Senator Mike Lee are spearheading a challenge against the Federal Communications Commission's "Digital Discrimination" order. The order, finalized in November, aims to give the federal government control over various aspects of the broadband industry, drawing criticism from Cruz, who stated, "The only beneficiaries of the FCC’s Orwellian ‘equity’ plan are overzealous government regulators who want to control the internet."

Senator Lee also expressed concerns, calling the FCC's rule "a solution in search of a problem" and highlighting the potential threats it poses to internet innovation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a dynamic and competitive marketplace for ideas, free from excessive government regulation.

The joint resolution of disapproval introduced by Cruz and Lee, along with 17 other senators, aims to nullify the FCC's order, which they believe will hinder broadband investment and impede efforts to promote high-speed internet access for all Americans. The senators argue that the order goes against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and could expose companies to significant liability under a "disparate impact" standard.

The resolution has garnered support from a group of co-sponsors, including Senators Eric Schmitt, Ted Budd, and John Cornyn, among others. Additionally, Representatives Earl L. "Buddy" Carter and Andrew Clyde have introduced companion legislation in the House to address the concerns raised by Cruz, Lee, and their colleagues.

The senators and representatives are united in their effort to push back against what they see as government overreach in regulating the internet, with Senator Lee stating, "This resolution is our stand against Biden's attempt to regulate the internet into oblivion, ensuring the internet remains a dynamic and competitive marketplace for ideas, not a utility subject to government whims."