NE Atlanta News

Reps. Andrew Clyde and Buddy Carter, along with 65 House Republicans, have introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new "digital discrimination" rule. The FCC's rule, finalized on November 15, 2023, aims to prevent digital discrimination in access to broadband services but has been criticized for giving the Biden Administration and the FCC unchecked regulatory authority over the telecommunications industry.

Representative Clyde expressed concern about the expansion of the federal government's control over internet services and infrastructure. He stated, "The FCC's so-called 'digital discrimination' rule hands bureaucrats unmitigated regulatory authority that will undoubtedly impede innovation, burden consumers, and generate censorship concerns."

Representative Carter criticized the Biden administration's attempt to push its ideology through heavy-handed government controls. He argued that the FCC's rule would widen the digital divide and go against the core principles of free market capitalism. He emphasized the need for Congress to block the FCC's "totalitarian overreach."

The joint resolution of disapproval has garnered support from various representatives and organizations. Representative Mark Amodei, one of the original cosponsors, highlighted the need for the FCC to focus on closing the digital divide rather than promoting a political agenda. Other supporting organizations include Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and USTelecom.

Critics of the FCC's rule argue that it will delay and increase costs for deploying broadband across the country. James Czerniawski, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity, stated, "The FCC's digital discrimination rule is nothing more than a distraction that will delay and increase costs for deploying broadband around the country."

Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, commended the joint resolution of disapproval as an opportunity to reverse the FCC's takeover of the internet. He argued that the FCC's rulemaking exceeded congressional intent and empowered activists to shake down telecommunications companies.

Wade Miller, Executive Director of Citizens for Renewing America, warned against the expansion of government control over the internet and the potential abuses that could arise. He stated, "Efforts by Rep. Clyde, with regard to the Digital Equity Rule, are an important front in the battle to protect the rights of Americans and provide reliable access to the public square of the 21st century by preventing an expansion of the stranglehold the radical left would like to impose on how the internet operates."

The joint resolution of disapproval aims to prevent the FCC's rule from being implemented. It highlights concerns about the rule's impact on broadband investment, innovation, and the digital divide. The resolution has received endorsements from various organizations, including the Consumer Choice Center, Digital First Project, Heritage Action for America, R Street Institute, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The FCC's "digital discrimination" rule has been criticized for giving the agency unchecked regulatory authority and expanding its authority to industries outside of telecommunications. The rule defines "digital discrimination" as policies or practices that differentially impact consumers' access to broadband internet access service based on their income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin. However, opponents argue that the rule goes beyond addressing discriminatory intent and could stifle the telecommunications industry and other industries.

The joint resolution of disapproval is an effort by Representatives Clyde and Carter to challenge the FCC's rule and protect the rights of Americans in accessing the internet. It remains to be seen how Congress will respond to this resolution and whether it will succeed in overturning the FCC's "digital discrimination" rule.