Vote to overturn net-neutrality rules expected on Thursday

The Senate plans to debate a resolution to overturn the Federal Communications Commission's net-neutrality rules on Wednesday and will vote on the resolution on Thursday, according to a spokesman for Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) office did not immediately return a request to confirm the vote's schedule.

The House passed a resolution to repeal the rules in April. If the Senate approves the resolution, it would then go to President Obama for his signature. Obama, who made passing net neutrality rules part of his campaign in 2008, is expected to veto the resolution if it clears Congress.

The resolution has 42 Republican co-sponsors in the Senate.

Unlike most legislation, the resolution is not subject to the 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster, the spokesman to Leader McConnell said. But to override a veto, the resolution would require a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress.   

The regulations are scheduled to go into effect on Nov. 20.

The FCC's net-neutrality rules prevent Internet service providers from slowing down or speeding up access to websites. Wireless carriers are banned from blocking lawful websites or applications that compete with their services.

Supporters of the rules say they preserve competition and protect consumer choice, but opponents argue they impose unnecessary burdens on businesses.