The dispute started over AT&T's "unlimited" data plan, but escalated into a battle over something bigger -- the FTC's ability to police broadband.

"If companies can afford to protect Europeans' privacy, they can also afford to do so for their American customers and users," Senator Ed Markey stated today.

Three Republicans voted in favor of restoring rules that prohibit Internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic and from charging higher fees for prioritized delivery.

Broadband providers will be free to censor sites and slow down apps on June 11, when the net neutrality repeal takes effect.

Voters in California could decide this November whether to approve a ballot initiative that would allow them to wield control over their data.