Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

My Strong Support for Net Neutrality

As a longtime advocate for a free and open internet for all, I have consistently supported net neutrality, which provides a level playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs to compete, while protecting consumers from exorbitant fees for faster service. I am pleased that Roadrunners have continued to contact me in support of net neutrality and hope to continue hearing from them on other federal issues.

With a complete disregard for public opinion, Donald Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman, Ajit Pai, led the repeal of the net neutrality rules, allowing huge businesses to create fast lanes for their customers while competitors’ clients are forced to use the internet equivalent of a dirt road. “Slow lanes” will strangle competition, which could threaten free speech and is bad news for consumers and small businesses.

I am sponsoring a congressional resolution to override the FCC’s recent decision. While Republicans can probably block a vote in the House, they now cannot in the Senate. The clock is ticking, we have until April 23rd to pass this resolution before Trump’s FCC drags us backward. We must continue to speak up and remain civically engaged to prevent the Trump Administration’s disastrous decision.

I also voted against Republican legislation that repealed internet privacy rules, allowing the sale of your web searches. Your privacy should not be available to the highest bidder.

In the past year, I’ve seen so many young people get involved in our community. One way to broaden your involvement is through internship opportunities. My office has been able to accomplish a great deal thanks to our hardworking and dedicated interns. I have a limited number of internships available in my San Antonio and Washington congressional offices, positions that offer a unique opportunity to engage with and aid constituents and to learn about broader community and national concerns. If you are interested in interning, email me at [email protected] with your resume, three references, a cover letter and advise when and where you would be interested in working.

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