Only Dem 'no' vote on NSA explains himself

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) said a National Security Agency program that collects telephone records of millions of Americans is helpful in preventing terrorism. He was the only Democrat to vote against the USA Freedom Act, which would have ended the government's bulk collection of telephone records.

The vote on the motion to open debate failed 58-42. "Sen. Nelson has consistently supported measures he feels aid the intelligence community in preventing future terrorist attacks," spokesman Ryan Brown said. "That’s why he voted ‘no’ on the measure last night," he added. "He believes the bill would have undone a provision allowing for retention of certain telephone records that he feels is helpful in preventing future terrorist attacks.”