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The bipartisan Community Broadband Act, supported by some well-known US senators, was passed out the Senate Commerce Committee today and will proceed to the full Senate for a vote.

Most famous among the senators that introduced the bill are John Kerry, John McCain, and Ted Stephens, whose claim to fame at this point was labeling the Internet "a series of tubes." Perhaps the Community Broadband Act will help Stephens' less-than-web savvy reputation.

Also among them introducing the bill was Olympia Snowe, who last week called for a Network Neutrality hearing, Daniel Inouye, who received her letter, and Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.).

The Community Broadband Act treats Internet access as a public utility, and is thought will help improve broadband competition and bolster municipal Wi-fi networks. It will also help ensure those without broadband get high-speed Internet access.

"The Community Broadband Act will provide local governments, schools, nonprofits and disadvantaged communities with faster, cheaper and more reliable broadband service," said Shawn Chang, deputy policy director of Free Press. "With millions still lacking the economic benefits of high-speed Internet, this legislation could not be more critical."