The “Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancements Act of 2006” is sponsored by Representative and House Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-Texas), Representative and Chairman of Telecommunications and Internet Subcommittee Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Representative Charles Pickering (R-Miss.), and Representative Bobby Rush (D-Ill.). The bill is focused on video-franchise reform and was first introduced to Congress in late March 2006.
It would, among other things, grant telcos and cable operators automatically renewing national franchises to deliver video services over the Internet, and would grant the FCC authority over Net neutrality-related issues. The CEA and US Telecom are among a number of groups showing public support for the bill.
Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass) is now rallying colleagues on the left and the right to support the introduction of his Network Neutrality Amendment onto the full floor next week. But it’s an uphill battle. In order for the amendment to be voted upon by all members, it has to first get approval from the House’s Rules Committee. You can contact your Rep. via the House.gov Site or use the Form Here. Save The Internet has oodles more info.
already on the side of the angels, d’oh
Sadly — or happily — Markey is my rep, so my letter to him yesterday was effectively “Thanks for doing what you are already doing. I voted for you before and I will vote for you again.” Which is all well and good, but it means there’s nobody I can persuade to change his or her vote.