8 members of Congress are leading the charge to repeal Net Neutrality. Here’s exactly how much money they have received from Comcast, Verizon, and other ISPs.
June 9, 2017
 |
By: Jack Noland Research Analyst, Represent.Us |
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun the process of repealing "net neutrality" rules that require Internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast and Verizon to treat all data on the Internet equally. Without the rules, ISPs will be able to block or slow down websites and apps.
So far, only eight members of Congress have publicly backed the FCC’s plan, by signing a statement of support or by having their statements included in an industry-written GOP talking points document. The FCC doesn't need formal approval from Congress to repeal the rules, but congressional support gives them the political cover they need to eliminate net neutrality without looking like they are doing something that only the telecoms want. (Note: the Chairman of the FCC, Ajit Pai, is a former Verizon lobbyist).
Not surprisingly, the members of Congress praising the FCC have received a lot of campaign money from telecoms that oppose net neutrality.
Here’s a look at how much money these eight lawmakers have taken from companies and other organizations in the telecom (e.g. Comcast, NCTA) and telephone utilities (e.g. AT&T, Verizon) industries, which strongly support the repeal of net neutrality rules.
Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)
Contributions from Telecom: $1,092,286
Contributions from Comcast: $122,650
Contributions from Verizon: $63,500
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Contributions from Telecom: $498,499
Contributions from Comcast: $49,500
Contributions from Verizon: $72,650
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
Contributions from Telecom: $489,383
Contributions from Comcast: $36,200
Contributions from Verizon: $36,900
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Contributions from Telecom: $406,650
Contributions from Comcast: $17,500
Contributions from Verizon: $10,500
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)
Contributions from Telecom: $383,251
Contributions from Comcast: $73,250
Contributions from Verizon: $48,035
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Contributions from Telecom: $440,530
Contributions from Comcast: $43,400
Contributions from Verizon: $36,000
Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA)
Contributions from Telecom: $146,000
Contributions from Comcast: $20,500
Contributions from Verizon: $10,000
Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH)
Contributions from Telecom: $368,250
Contributions from Comcast: $27,000
Contributions from Verizon: $28,000
The contributions to these members are significantly higher than those to average members of Congress. For context, in the 2016 campaign cycle, Walden ranked first in telecom money among all 435 House members, with Ryan receiving the fifth most, Latta receiving the 13th most, McMorris Rodgers receiving the 15th most, Blackburn receiving the 22nd most, and Graves receiving the 69th most. In the Senate, Thune received the most telecom money in 2016, and Wicker received the 41st most (out of 100 members).
Note: The figures above are derived from OpenSecrets data and include campaign contributions from political action committees and employees. The telecom industry totals include OpenSecrets' "telecom services" and "telephone utilities" industries, and cover the full congressional careers of the lawmakers. The Verizon and Comcast totals include campaign cycles 2002-2016.