Cantwell Targets Proposed Rescission of Net Neutrality Rules in Speech Opposing Pai Reconfirmation

most notably via the May NPRM proposing to rescind 2015 net neutrality rules and related reclassification of broadband as a Communications Act Title II service. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., filed cloture Tuesday on Pai's reconfirmation, setting the stage for a long-anticipated floor debate in which Democrats vowed to focus on net neutrality, Sinclair's proposed buy of Tribune and other controversies (see 1709150060 and 1709260049). That debate could begin formally later this week and Cantwell said a final vote on Pai could happen Monday. “A strong and open internet is key to an economy of the future” but Pai is “poised to undo” the existing rules, Cantwell said. “As long as he continues to hold that position [against the 2015 rules], I cannot support his nomination.” Gigi Sohn, aide to former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, sought signatures Wednesday for a Free Press-led petition urging the Senate to vote down Pai (see 1709250057). Pai “is genuinely one of the nicest people in Washington,” but “nice guys don’t always make good policy,” Sohn wrote on The Verge website. “Pai’s record means real danger for American consumers and the internet itself.” The vote “will be a stark referendum on the kind of communications networks and consumer protections we want to see in this country,” Sohn said. More than 40 supporters of the rules lobbied lawmakers and Capitol Hill staffers Wednesday as part of an advocacy day organized by Public Knowledge, Free Press and other public interest groups. The meetings were an opportunity for “average Americans, not lobbyists, to put a human face to all these Congressional calls and legal comments” in favor of the 2015 net neutrality rules, said PK Associate Policy Council Kate Forscey. Fifty-seven percent of Americans backed FCC net neutrality rules, 16 percent were opposed and 27 percent didn't state an opinion, said a Consumers Union release Wednesday, citing a July 20-23 "nationally representative" survey of 1,005 adults by its parent organization Consumer Reports. The survey question said: The FCC "has rules for an Open Internet, sometimes referred to as ‘net neutrality’. These rules prohibit certain practices by internet service providers, to protect your ability to go where you want when you want online. The current net neutrality regulations prohibit internet service providers from blocking or discriminating against lawful content on the internet. To what extent do you support or oppose the rules and regulations just described?" CU said it joined Public Knowledge and other groups Wednesday on Capitol Hill in a "Net Neutrality Day of Advocacy" to lobby lawmakers.