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Nelson sees campaign issue with Scott over ‘net neutrality’

Scott has warned against "burdensome regulations."
 
Published May 17, 2018|Updated May 17, 2018

WASHINGTON – Bill Nelson sees a campaign issue in so-called net neutrality, which rival Rick Scott has called "burdensome regulations."

Yesterday, Sen. Nelson joined a bipartisan group in passing a resolution to restore Obama-era FCC rules for broadband providers that were reversed in December.

"Senator Nelson voted with a bipartisan group of senators today to protect consumers, innovators and small businesses by protecting net neutrality – leading the push to maintain a free and open internet," Nelson's campaign spokeswoman Carlie Waibel said. "His vote is a stark contrast with Rick Scott, who has opposed net neutrality and sides with big corporations that could slow down service or drive up prices hurting consumers, families and businesses."

Scott's campaign said he "believes it's important to keep the internet as an open tool for entrepreneurship without increasing burdensome regulations for job creators."

Consumer groups have rallied public support about restoring the regulations and Democrats hope it'll provide a campaign issue, though how much it resonates is unclear.

The Senate vote (Marco Rubio voted no) sends the issue to the House.

"Without changes, net neutrality would be rolled back after June 11. This would allow providers to charge more for some online content or allow some sites to load faster," Waibel said.