SLC Times

Sens. Mike Lee and Ted Cruz have taken a stand against the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) "Digital Discrimination" order, with a joint resolution of disapproval to nullify the controversial rule. According to Sen. Lee, the FCC's rule is an overreach that threatens to stifle innovation and entangle the internet in red tape.

Sen. Cruz criticized the Biden administration for pushing forward with the rule despite acknowledging there is "little to no evidence" of discrimination by broadband companies. He described the FCC's equity plan as an Orwellian power grab by government regulators.

The FCC's order, finalized in November, would give the government control over various aspects of the broadband industry and expose companies to potential enforcement actions and liabilities under a disparate impact standard. Sen. Lee and a group of senators had previously called on the FCC to rescind the draft order.

The joint resolution of disapproval is co-sponsored by a group of senators, including Sens. Eric Schmitt, Ted Budd, Roger Marshall, and others. Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter and Andrew Clyde have introduced companion legislation in the House.

The resolution aims to push back against what Senate Republicans see as an unlawful power grab by the FCC, which they argue will harm broadband investment and impede efforts to promote high-speed internet access for all Americans.