Wyden Putting A Hold On Anti-Net Neutrality Legislation

The Senate Commerce Committee voted 11-11 today on net neutrality. It was a procedural tie but a political win.

Matt makes an important point here, as the momentum going into a floor fight is clearly on our side now:

They (Democrats) held under intense lobbying pressure from the telecoms. I think it's fair to say that we've reversed the momentum on this issue, turning it from a little noticed 23-8 subcommittee vote in the House on April 5 to today's 11-11 tie in Commerce Committee and clearly what will be a contentious floor fight.

Moveon.org agrees (from a press relaease, no link available):

"The little guy has seized the momentum in this fight to preserve Internet freedom," said Eli Pariser, Executive Director of MoveOn.org Civic Action. "Companies like AT&T thought they'd easily get Congress to allow tollbooths on the Internet by spending millions in TV ads, lobbying, and campaign contributions. But millions of Internet users are fighting back together to preserve Net Neutrality, and we're holding politicians accountable on this issue."

This isn't over and I will have who voted and how, up soon. "Maverick" McCain voted with the Republicans but every Democrat on the committee voted for net neutrality. Only Olympia Snowe (R-ME) had the courage to buck her party and do what is right. Kay Bailey Hutchison is obviously no friend of net neutrality. Then again, she has received over $13,250 from the telco cartel. Figures. She's not heard the last from me, here in Texas.

More over at the "Save The Internet" blog:

"The bill makes a number of major changes in the country's telecommunications law but there is one provision that is nothing more than a license to discriminate. Without a clear policy preserving the neutrality of the Internet and without tough sanctions against those who would discriminate, the Internet will be forever changed for the worse."

You can watch Wyden's speech here.

Finally, only you can do something about this: take action: call Congress: 888-355-3588, it's free Write Congress, Blog it or add the logo to your site, and make it your MySpace best friend!