WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and incoming Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today issued the following response to the president’s announcement on data security at the Federal Trade Commission:
“Consumers shouldn’t have to hold their breath and cross their fingers every time they swipe a card or enter information online. Cyber crime is a real and escalating concern for the American people, and recent high-profile security breaches have only reinforced the urgent need for congressional action. We welcome the president’s focus on this critical issue and look forward to working with the White House this year to enact meaningful legislation that will limit online threats and give consumers better peace of mind. E-commerce is a vital part of our economy, but it’s clear more must be done to protect information in today’s digital world. It’s only a matter of time before the next big breach hits, which is why one of the first items of business for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will be to advance a data breach bill."
The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade has a longstanding interest in data security issues. Last Congress, the subcommittee held a number of hearings to review breaches and examine the need for legislation establishing a uniform notification standard.
