Smucker Introduces Net Neutrality Bill

Press Release

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) introduced a bill outlawing blocking and throttling of internet content to ensure the internet is a free and open space for consumers.

The Open Internet Preservation Act would amend Title I of the Communications Act to prohibit blocking and throttling of the internet. The legislation would codify the new transparency requirements adopted by the FCC's 2017 Internet Freedom Rule to promote internet openness and growth. These FCC requirements are the same ones that have guided the growth of the internet from 1996 until 2015.

"The internet should be a free space," Smucker said. "Commonsense regulation can be helpful and protect consumers, but oppressive federal strong-arming benefits no one, especially not the internet."

The Open Internet Preservation Act would also:

Define reasonable network management practices to reduce or mitigate the effects of network congestion or quality
Grants the FCC the authority to manage transparency and consumer protection rules
Preempts state law to ensure a uniform standard nationwide
Ensuring freedom for the internet and to broadband providers leads to faster internet speeds and improved access to the internet. Internet speeds rose nearly 36 percent in 2018 following the elimination of the 2015 Title II regulations, which restored the Federal Trade Commission's ability to protect broadband subscribers from unfair and deceptive practices.

The lack of rural broadband access is also a major issue in many communities across the country, especially in Pennsylvania. Rural communities like Lancaster and York Counties feel the impact of burdensome regulations the strongest since they are the most underserved in terms of high-speed broadband access. Lack of broadband access impacts the economy and limits access to health care as well as educational opportunities.

The Open Internet Preservation Act would encourage expanding access to high-speed internet for smaller companies who may find it more difficult to expand and innovate when facing significant regulatory burdens.

"When we encourage competition through the free market, we encourage business and individual growth as well as affordable, accessible internet for all Americans," said Smucker.

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