Bill Blocking Net Neutrality Funding Headed For Vote

Republicans moved forward with their efforts to cripple the Federal Communications Commission’s open Internet rules. Using its budgeting power, the House appropriations committee voted 30-20 on a broad funding bill that contains a provision which prohibits the FCC from spending money to enforce the open internet rules until the pending court challenges are resolved.

The financial service and general government appropriations bill now moves to the House floor for a vote.

The FCC’s open internet rules took effect on June 12, but are being challenged by cable and telecom internet service providers in the DC circuit court of appeals, a proceeding that many believe could take months if not years to resolve.

KatyOnTheHill.com reports the bill gives the FCC $73 million less than what the agency asked for, and require the FCC to publicly release the text of its proposed rules 21 days ahead of a vote.