The Trump administration did so much damage that we have to undo.

For example, the Trump gang gave corporate giants like Comcast and Verizon the power to unilaterally restrict Internet access and content for millions upon millions of Americans.

• The guiding principle of “net neutrality” — which had been in place since the earliest days of the World Wide Web — was summarily tossed aside for the benefit of massive tech companies.

• Companies like Comcast and Verizon have been free to further marginalize poor people, rural areas, and people of color by choosing not to expand broadband to these communities.

• Internet service providers throttle traffic, censor content, charge bogus fees, and force customers to watch advertisements to get online.

• As our nation has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the American people have been at the mercy of Internet companies just to get online and do their jobs, attend classes, order food and medicines, access critical news and information, and more.

The Federal Communications Commission is the government agency that could begin to fix this.

But the FCC has been rendered dysfunctional by its two Republican commissioners, who won’t cross the telecom companies and refuse to cooperate with the two Democratic commissioners on key matters before the agency.

The good news is that there is an empty fifth seat on the FCC and President Biden gets to fill it.

That’s why Public Citizen is partnering with allies like Demand Progress, Fight for the Future, and People For the American Way on an urgent petition to President Biden.

Tell President Biden:

Nominate a fifth FCC commissioner who does not have ties to the telecom industry, who will stand up to the ISPs, who supports reinstating net neutrality, and who will expand broadband to ensure that everyone has affordable access to the Internet.

Add your name.

Thanks for taking action.

For progress,

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. For half a century, Public Citizen has been advancing policies that put the needs of everyday Americans before the greed of billionaires and Big Business. That legacy of progress and that ongoing work could not matter more right now, as our nation transitions to a Joe Biden presidency that will be as progressive as we — you and Public Citizen, together — make it. We’re also busy undoing all the damage Trump did. And, like so many nonprofits and small businesses, we continue to experience financial strain related to the coronavirus pandemic. If you can, please make an emergency donation today to support the critical work we’re doing together or even join our popular Monthly Giving program. Thank you.
 
 
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