Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is coming out strong against the FCC’s upcoming Net Neutrality vote.
Next Wednesday, Dec. 14, the Federal Communications Commission will vote to end net neutrality rules that have been in place since 2015. Net neutrality is the idea that all internet traffic should be treated the same, and that internet providers cannot play favorites, giving certain sites or services priority over others.
Democratic U.S. Representative and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist says while Congress has no direct authority over the FCC because it is an independent agency, if the five member panel overturns the 2015 net neutrality rules, he will sponsor legislation to restore them.
“You’ve heard the old expression ‘maybe this will take an act of Congress,’ well, if necessary, we can have an act of Congress, and if the FCC does this, I’ll sponsor it,” Crist said.
Critics have sounded the alarm, saying the upcoming vote would mean the end of the internet as we know it. Supporters say current net neutrality rules unfairly burden internet providers, stymieing growth and innovation.
Rep. Crist said his office has received a large volume of calls and emails about this issue, none of which favor the proposed rule changes.
