SW Georgia News

U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) is spearheading an initiative, supported by 65 House Republicans, to challenge the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) "Digital Discrimination" rule using the Congressional Review Act. The campaign is motivated by apprehensions about constitutional overreach and potential negative impacts on broadband deployment and digital equity resulting from the FCC's recently finalized rule.

According to a press release from Carter's office, Carter expressed his concerns: "Yet again, the Biden administration is attempting to push its ideology through heavy-handed government controls. This time, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to enact widespread regulations on every aspect of our internet’s functionality. This FCC ‘Digital Discrimination’ rule will undoubtedly widen the digital divide by stifling future investment in broadband deployments. Not only is it unconstitutional, but it goes against the very core of free market capitalism. Congress must block the FCC’s totalitarian overreach."

Fox News reports that the FCC has finalized a rule with the aim of preventing digital discrimination in access to broadband services, asserting authority to address policies and practices that differentially impact consumer access. The rule gives the FCC wider oversight, permitting intervention in companies' practices to ensure equitable broadband deployment, network upgrades, and maintenance. This has ignited concerns amongst officials about potential overreach and increased control over internet services and infrastructure by the Biden Administration.

According to Fox News, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel defended the broad language of the new rules. She emphasized that Congress explicitly mandated these regulations to "facilitate equal access to broadband." Rosenworcel argued that preventing and eliminating digital discrimination necessitates a comprehensive approach, encompassing both disparate treatment and disparate impact to fulfill the statutory obligation of ensuring equitable broadband access.

In a press release from Carter's office, it was revealed that organizations supporting the joint resolution to overturn this rule include Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, USTelecom, and eight other organizations.