Inouye fights for net neutrality - and how you can help

06.22.06 - Posted by AsiansVote

What the heck is "net neutrality," you ask? As SavetheInternet.com explains, it's the principle that "prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you -- based on what site pays them the most." In short, if there were no net neutrality, you might not get proper access to independent, small websites like this one.

Right now the telcoms are trying to kill net neutrality. As the San Francisco Chronicle reports, Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) has proposed what at first glance sounds like a helpful amendment to the telecommunications bill that offers "a way for consumers to complain about alleged violations of net neutrality." But Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), co-chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, says that the amendment's changes “utterly fail to protect consumers and preserve an open Internet.”

Instead, Inouye is co-sponsoring S. 2917, a bill by Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND), which protects our access to the internet with real net neutrality regulations. According to CNET, co-sponsors of the bill include Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Barack Obama (D-IL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Mcjoan at DailyKos.com suggests that people who want to protect net neutrality should encourage their senators to vote against the Stevens amendment and instead support the S. 2917. Here's mcjoan's handy list of senators on the Commerce Committee who have been identified as persuadable:

John McCain (AZ): (202) 224-2235; Fax: (202) 228-2862
Trent Lott (MS): (202) 224-6253; Fax: (202) 224-2262
Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX): 202-224-5922; 202-224-0776 (FAX)
Olympia J. Snowe (ME): (202) 224-5344; FAX (202) 224-1946
Gordon H. Smith (OR): 202.224.3753; Fax: 202.228.3997
George Allen (VA): (202) 224-4024; Fax: (202) 224-5432
Bill Nelson (FL): 202-224-5274; Fax: 202-228-2183
Maria Cantwell (WA): 202-224-3441; 202-228-0514 - FAX
Frank R. Lautenberg (NJ): (202) 224-3224; Fax: (202) 228-4054
E. Benjamin Nelson (NE): Tel: (202) 224-6551; Fax: (202) 228-0012
Mark Pryor (AR): (202) 224-2353; Fax: (202) 228-0908

According to mcjoan, the Commerce Committee is likely to vote on the Stevens amendment Tuesday. Call or fax your Senator and let him or her know where you stand! For the full list of senators, visit FireDogLake.

And major props to Senator Inouye for watching our backs.

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06.22.06 | Action Alerts , Daniel Inouye , Internet & Technology