They wrote a letter to Pam Bondi urging her to join other state attorneys general in protesting an FCC decision to roll back net neutrality.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, has been joined by a number of her Florida Congressional colleagues in a letter calling on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to stand up to the Federal Communication Commission’s rollback of net neutrality rules.

“The Trump Administration and the FCC’s decision to undo net neutrality consumer protections that ensured an open and free internet is a blow to my neighbors, families and small businesses. I am disappointed that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi would not stand up for Florida families by joining Attorneys General from other states to urge the FCC to delay its rollback of these protections,” Castor said.

She added, “I firmly believe an open and fair internet is important to protecting the access, innovation and opportunity many small businesses and entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay rely on. I, along with a number of my Florida Congressional colleagues, sent a letter today [Dec. 22] encouraging Attorney General Bondi to stand up to the FCC’s anti-consumer move and protect Floridians by challenging the repeal of net neutrality in court.”

Co-signing Castor’s letter were U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist, D-St. Petersburg; Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Sunrise; Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee; and Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton.

Net neutrality is the belief that internet providers should allow access to all content and apps without favoring some, blocking others, or charging different rates for access to some sites. The FCC this month rolled back government protections that were put in place during the administration of President Barack Obama that were designed to protect net neutrality.

The New York attorney general has indicated he plans to sue over the issue. It is unclear how many other states might join any suit, but 18 state attorneys general co-signed a letter asking the FCC to delay the vote. Other activists are urging Congress to overrule the FCC decision.

Castor represents Florida’s 14th Congressional District, which includes a portion of Hillsborough County.

Read the letter here.

Diagram of “Net Neutrality Protects Your Access” courtesy of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Main Photo shows Kathy Castor, left, and Charlie Crist.

Kathy Castor | Charlie Crist | Net Neutrality | Politics | Tampabay News

#KathyCastor #CharlieCrist #NetNeutrality #Politics #TampabayNews