[JURIST] US Congressman Doug Collins [official website] on Monday introduced a resolution [text, PDF] to block net neutrality rules [JURIST report] that were introduced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in February. In a press release [press release] Collins noted that this resolution would only require a “Senate majority to pass under special procedural rules of the Congressional Review Act.” In Collins’ view, the resolution would be “the quickest way to stop heavy-handed agency regulations that would slow internet speeds, increase consumer prices, and hamper infrastructure development … [as] resources that could go to broadband deployment will go to federal taxes and fees.” Collins also questioned the timing of the FCC’s net neutrality solution, claiming that it came under political pressure, and that the FCC “will continue to grow its power in secret, despite Congress’ authority in this matter.” Thus, in presenting this resolution, Collins and his colleagues claim to be promoting a “Free and Open Internet,” that “increases access and participation.”

Net neutrality [JURIST backgrounder] has emerged as a major political and legal issue in the US and internationally. In November US President Barack Obama said [statement] that he strongly supports the concept of net neutrality. Last May the FCC adopted [JURIST report] new Internet traffic rules in light of a recent court decision [opinion, PDF] that struck down former rules requiring broadband providers to employ nondiscriminatory practices in the treatment of Internet content. In April the European Parliament approved [JURIST report] a net neutrality proposal that prohibits Internet service providers from enhancing or restricting services for selected Internet traffic. The proposed law, approved by a 534-25 vote with 58 abstentions, aims to treat all Internet traffic equally by making it illegal to block, slow down or give preferential treatment to certain specific applications and services for economic or other reasons. Last year the FCC announced it would not appeal [JURIST report] the court ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that struck down net neutrality.