WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today applauded a decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the neutrality of the internet. The decision is in line with an Amicus Brief filed by Senator King last year that urged the Court to uphold an FCC order that prevents Internet Service Providers from blocking, throttling, or prioritizing lawful online content based on the ability of content providers or end-users to pay.

“Today's decision is a historic victory for everyone who uses the internet to conduct business, protect their health, further their education, or exercise their right to free expression,” Senator King said. “As I made clear to the Court, the FCC's Open Internet Order is critical for ensuring that the internet remains a fair, open platform for the businesses and consumers who rely on it every day. I am pleased the Court affirmed the rights of consumers and reinforced the internet’s status as an incredible tool for innovation and economic prosperity.”

Senator King is a fierce proponent of protecting the internet as a tool that can be used equally by all. Last year, he filed an amicus brief with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the FCC’s Open Internet rules. He also wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in advance of the Commission’s net neutrality decision urging that broadband be reclassified as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

He also penned an op-ed for CNN last year with Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in support of an open internet.

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