To the editor: 

In December 2017, the Federal Communication Commission eliminated rules that prohibit internet providers from slowing down/blocking content or charging for access to certain sites. The ruling only benefits large internet service providers. For the rest of us, it results in censorship and new fees. A nonpartisan poll found that 83 percent of Americans oppose the FCC's ruling.

The U.S. House and Senate have bills in process to reverse the FCC's ruling, but the Congressional Review Act says they must act within 60 legislative days. The CRA only requires a simple majority in the House and Senate.

Time is of the essence. As I write this, the Senate bill needs just one more supporter for a simple majority. Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are co-sponsors. The House bill (H.R.4585) has 94 co-sponsors, including Minnesota's Betty McCollum, Rick Nolan, Collin Peterson, Keith Ellison and Tim Walz.

This is an opportunity for Jason Lewis to show he supports families, schools and small businesses over large and powerful corporations. According to his office, he supports the FCC ruling, which he states would remove the issue from the FCC and return it to the Federal Trade Commission. He believes removal of excess regulation will allow for increased innovation and investment by internet service providers.

I disagree with his opinion. There is no guarantee that innovation and investment will happen, and "regulations" are protections for the internet service consumers: families, schools, and small businesses.

Please join me in urging Lewis to change his position and support H.R. 4585 along with the majority of his constituents.

Candy Huebner

Red Wing