By now you may have heard the news: Republicans in the House of Representatives voted last week to block the FCC from enforcing its new net neutrality regulations.

As I’ve said before, these regulations weren’t nearly good enough to ensure that the Internet remains free and open. But they were a step in the right direction. And by voting to eliminate them, House Republicans declared their willingness to let big corporations control the Internet.

We know what this could mean for American consumers — less diversity of viewpoints, less access to independent content through services like Netflix, and higher prices for Internet service.

The good news is that the Senate still has a chance to stop this special interest power play. I’m working as hard as I can to build support for net neutrality in the Senate — but I’m not the only one talking to my colleagues. These corporations have lobbyists of their own, lots of them, and they’re descending upon Capitol Hill en masse.

The only way we’re going to save net neutrality is if ordinary Americans make their voices heard. I’ll update you soon — but for now, please forward this email to your friends and ask them to join our campaign by linking up with me on Twitter or Facebook.

Thanks — and stay tuned.

Snow Delays Legislation On Capitol Hill

Today

Most of the agenda in Washington has been postponed due to the inclement weather. The House has adjourned until Feb. 22. The Senate will next meet on Thursday and Sen. Majority Ldr. Harry Reid (D-NV) hopes to begin debate on a jobs-related bill. The weather also caused the House Oversight Cmte. to postpone a hearing looking into the Toyota gas pedal problems.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The House of Representatives on Tuesday postponed further action on legislation until later this month as the capital city braced for a second major snowstorm in less than a week.

******************************************************

However, The President is suppose to Meet today with Black business men, leaders and politicians to discuss unemployment and its impact on African-Americans.

******************************************************

Back-to-back snow storms put Congress on ice

U.S.

Reuters

House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer said flight cancellations made it difficult for House members to get into the snowbound city and leaders decided to put off scheduled votes until the week of February 22 when Congress returns from a week-long break for the Presidents’ Day holiday.

“Members are unable to get here because the airlines are reluctant to fly here, they are reluctant to get their planes on the ground and get caught here,” Hoyer told reporters.

Weather forecasters are predicting the area could get another 12 inches of snow just days after a blizzard dumped up to 3 feet in some areas.

The House had been scheduled to vote this week on legislation that would repeal the antitrust exemption for health insurers. Hoyer said that vote will now take place the week lawmakers return from their break.

Meanwhile Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid held out hope that the Senate would complete work on a major jobs-creation bill before leaving for the week-long Presidents Day break.

But Reid said the Senate may not be in session on Wednesday when the latest snow storm is expected to be in full fury.

Many people in the region are still trying to dig out from the weekend storm and many streets are still covered with snow.

(Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by Vicki Allen