Carper Statement on Senate Vote to Save Net Neutrality

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Senate approved a resolution to preserve the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rules enacted in 2015 and supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans:

“In today’s day and age, access to the internet is crucial for nearly every facet of our lives. The internet has fundamentally transformed the way we stay in touch with loved ones, the way students learn, the way we keep up with news from around the globe and the way businesses large and small can reach customers down the street or across the country. The internet spurs economic growth, encourages innovation and facilitates the sharing of ideas and opinions. 

“The net neutrality rules helped to ensure that all Americans – not just those who could afford to pay more – had equal access to this essential platform. Net neutrality simply preserves exactly what makes the internet so transformative – the ability for anyone, no matter their means or status, to share an idea, create a viral video or launch the businesses and industries of tomorrow.

“Despite the Trump Administration’s attempts to rollback these protections and deepen the digital divide in this country, the United States Senate spoke loudly and clearly today: a free and open society must safeguard a free and open internet. Very simply, saving net neutrality is the right thing to do, and I hope the House of Representatives will move quickly to take up this important resolution.”