Al Franken And Bernie Sanders Praise Net Neutrality As An Enormous Victory Over Corporations

In two separate statements, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) praised the passage of the FCC’s new net neutrality rules. Franken called the rules an enormous victory for the American people, while Sanders said that the success of net neutrality shows that ordinary Americans can win when they stand up to corporations.

In a statement, Sen. Franken said:

This is a an enormous victory. This is the culmination of years of hard work by countless Americans who believe—just as I do—that the Internet should remain the free and open platform that it’s always been. Net neutrality is important for consumers, for small businesses and startups trying to compete with the big guys, and ultimately, for the innovation that has helped drive our economy for the past several decades.

The bottom line is this: the Internet is a vital part of our daily lives, and net neutrality is at the core of how the Internet operates. It is critical to our democracy and our economy that it continue to operate this way.

I’m thrilled that the FCC has taken this crucial step. But the fight isn’t over as some Republicans are already working on legislation to undo all of this. So in the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to make sure everyone understands what’s at stake, and why we need to stand by the strong rules adopted by the FCC.

But in the meantime, let’s celebrate.

Sen. Sanders said, “The FCC has ensured that the Internet remains a place for the open exchange of ideas and information free of discrimination and corporate control. This is a victory for consumers and entrepreneurs. Millions of Americans, including tens of thousands through my website, told the FCC loudly and clearly that Internet service providers should be a neutral gateway to everything on the Internet. Today’s vote shows that ordinary Americans can make a difference when they stand up to powerful corporate interests and Washington lobbyists.”

This is a huge victory for millions of Americans who have fought for years to keep the Internet open and neutral. If the FCC rules stand up to the inevitable legal challenge by the ISP’s, there will be no Internet fast lane for those who can afford to pay.

The internet will remain the one area of our society that is the most purely democratic and not under the thumb of corporate control. People can beat corporations, and as Sen. Franken said today is a day of celebration.