After FCC Net Neutrality Decision, Coffman Takes Case to Congress

Within an hour of the Federal Communications Commission voting to rescind rules protecting net neutrality on December 14, Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman took to Twitter to voice his disappointment and announce that he'll be introducing his own bill pertaining to net neutrality in Congress, where the "conversation belongs." Net neutrality...

By Chris Walker

December 14, 2017

savetheinternet.com

We’re $5,750 away from our summer campaign goal,
with just 4 days left!

We’re ready to deliver—but we need the resources to do it right. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today to help us expand our current events coverage when it’s needed most.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$11,250

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Within an hour of the Federal Communications Commission voting to rescind rules protecting net neutrality on December 14, Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman took to Twitter to voice his disappointment and announce that he'll be introducing his own bill pertaining to net neutrality in Congress, where the "conversation belongs."

Net neutrality is the idea that Internet service providers shouldn’t be allowed to control access to certain types of web content based on the service provider's preference; all data on the Internet is to be treated the same.

But in a controversial vote along party lines today, the FCC voted to rescind net neutrality protections. Coffman was among the elected officials who'd asked the FCC to delay its decision and allow Congress to decide on the issue.

Given @AjitPaiFCC and the @FCC lack of response to my letter, I will be submitting legislation pertaining to #netneutrality. This conversation belongs in #Congress. As I draft this bill email me your suggestions to: [email protected] pic.twitter.com/DMRPQvA4p1
— Rep. Mike Coffman (@RepMikeCoffman) December 14, 2017

Coffman is now asking constituents for suggestions on the language of the proposed bill, which can be sent to this address: [email protected].

Earlier, Coffman had said he was disappointed that the FCC had not responded to his office over the matter.

I'm deeply disappointed and troubled by the lack of response from the @FCC in regards to today's vote, as well as ignoring multiple Congressional calls for a delay. A decision decision of this magnitude, should take place in Congress, & not by unelected bureaucrats in Washington
— Rep. Mike Coffman (@RepMikeCoffman) December 14, 2017

Westword has reached out to Coffman's office for details on the bill, and will update this piece with additional information.

Chris Walker is a freelancer and former staff writer at Westword. Before moving to the Mile High City he spent two years bicycling across Eurasia, during which he wrote feature stories for VICE, NPR, Forbes, and The Atlantic. Read more of Chris's feature work and view his portfolio here.

A message from News Editor Thomas Mitchell: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of essential stories and to investigate issues that matter.

Support Today