Last year, in response to complaints that cable and telephone companies which offer Internet access were blocking access to some Internet sites, the Federal Communications Commission issued rules to encourage an "open Internet." Those rules prevent these broadband providers from blocking access to online content, discriminating among their customers, and restricting online speech. This week, members of the House of Representatives plan to introduce a proposal to invoke a little-used law to strip the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of its authority to protect the open Internet. This proposed action would leave religious speech on the Internet subject to control by telephone and cable companies, with no recourse.
The Internet has become essential for conversations on matters of faith. It is also quickly becoming the preferred way for people to access services from church entities, continuing education and other means to improve their lives. As commercial television and radio are narrowing churches’ access to the commercial airwaves, the Internet is sometimes the only way for religious organizations to provide programming to individuals.
The actual bill moving through Congress is happening pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA allows Congress to overturn regulations passed by federal agencies. In this case, the bill would overturn the FCC’s recently announced Net Neutrality regulations. Importantly, the CRA does not just overturn the existing regulations. It also prevents an agency from passing future regulations on the same topic (basically so an agency can’t just change a word and re-issue the regulations).
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