U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the overwhelming bipartisan passage of his legislation to protect Montana small businesses from burdensome regulations found in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 317-page “net neutrality” rules.
The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015 passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning. It extends a temporary exemption from the FCC’s new so-called “enhanced transparency requirements,” which would require internet service providers to disclose an excess of information about their network performance, some of which may require investing in new equipment and hiring an engineer.
“Too many small businesses have suffered due to President Obama’s unchecked fourth branch of government that constrains growth and innovation,” Daines stated. “It’s great to see this bill continue to move through the legislative process to help our hardworking small businesses.”
The exception is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, American Cable Association, Rural Wireless Association, Competitive Carriers Association, Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, CTIA, Rural Broadband Provider Coalition, NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association, and WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband.
The House of Representatives passed this legislation on March 16, 2016 with a vote of 411-0.
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Contact: Marcie Kinzel, Katie Waldman, Lindsey Singer