# Plain Language Summary: Congressional Disapproval of FCC Internet Freedom Rule

This bill is Congress's way of rejecting a rule that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created about how internet service providers should operate. Specifically, it targets the FCC's "Restoring Internet Freedom" rule, which removed regulations that had previously required internet providers to treat all online content equally—a concept known as "net neutrality."

Here's what this means in practical terms: The original net neutrality rules prevented internet service providers like Comcast or Verizon from slowing down, blocking, or charging extra fees for certain websites while giving preferential treatment to others. The FCC's rule that Congress is trying to reject removed those protections, allowing internet providers more freedom to manage their networks however they see fit. If Congress passes this disapproval resolution, it would essentially undo the FCC's decision and restore the net neutrality protections that were previously in place.

Who does this affect? Basically everyone who uses the internet. If the disapproval passes, internet providers would be prohibited from creating "fast lanes" where companies that pay extra get faster speeds, while smaller businesses or nonprofits that can't afford to pay get slower service. It would also prevent providers from blocking or throttling access to specific websites. On the flip side, internet providers argue that net neutrality rules limit their ability to manage network congestion and invest in infrastructure improvements. The outcome of this bill determines whether internet access remains a level playing field or whether providers get more control over how content flows through their networks.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet; Restoring Internet Freedom".

Blackburn, Marsha

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) titled <em>Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet; Restoring Internet Freedom</em> and published on May 22, 2024. The 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.) </p>