Net Neutrality scores victory for Internet Freedom

The Net Neutrality Coalition scored a victory for freedom on the internet, on May 25 in Washington, DC, as a House Judiciary Bill passed to protect internet users from discriminatory practices. H.R. 5417, the “Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006”, was introduced last week by F. James Sensenbrenner (pictured left), Chairman of the Committee, and John Conyers Jr., Ranking Member of the Committee.

The Bill passed by a vote margin of 20 - 13.





Thanks to the hard work of this orgainzation, and my friend, blogger Andy Wibbels (shown left), who appeared as an expert witness, this threat to the internet has been stopped for now. As always, we must remain on watch in the event another possible danger to internet freedom should arise.


Below is a statement from the Net Neutrality Coalition about today’s House Judiciary Bill just passed 20-13.

For interviews or questions, contact:

Catherine Castro

Qorvis Communications, on behalf of Net Neutrality

Direct: (703) 744-7839 / Cell: (202) 230-2200



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2006

NET NEUTRALITY COALITION APPLAUDS HOUSE JUDICIARY BILL

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 25, 2006 – The House Committee on the Judiciary today passed legislation to protect Internet consumers against discrimination on the Internet. H.R. 5417, the “Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006”, was introduced last week by F. James Sensenbrenner, Chairman of the Committee, and John Conyers Jr., Ranking Member of the Committee.

The following statement may be attributed to the ItsYourNet coalition, a broad and diverse coalition of Internet companies including Amazon.com, eBay, Google, IAC/InterActiveCorp and Yahoo! as well as consumer groups, small business organizations, trade associations, innovators and entrepreneurs, public interest organizations, individual content creators, family and religious groups and others, all fighting to preserve and protect the open Internet:

“Today is a great day for the Internet. Today, the U.S House of Representatives' Committee on Judiciary passed H.R. 5417, "The Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2006", which ensures that the Internet will continue as a vital force for innovation and economic benefit for all Americans. This bi-partisan bill, sponsored by Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner and Ranking Member John Conyers, recognizes the importance of meaningful and enforceable Net Neutrality legislation that will protect the rights of millions of Internet users. As the name of this legislation underscores, Congress has a duty to protect the longstanding and fundamental laws that govern the Internet and protect all of its users against discriminatory practices. We are grateful that the Judiciary Committee has ensured that our nation's communications policies preserve the open Internet, and on behalf of our millions of users and communities, we thank Chairman Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member Conyers, and all of the Members of the Committee on the Judiciary on this most important achievement.”