WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders today welcomed reports that a deal has been struck between negotiators from the United States and European Union on a new agreement on transatlantic data flows. The committee has been active on these issues, including hearings on cross-border data flows and importance of the safe harbor framework, as well as spearheading a bipartisan letter from over 55 members of the House and Senate pushing the administration to reach a new agreement with the EU.
“A major roadblock has been lifted. This agreement is an important win for American job creators as it’s critical nothing holds back the innovation that depends on digital data flows. Our negotiators ensured that American businesses can continue their operations across the Atlantic - selling goods and services, providing communications tools to connect the world, and allowing the free flow of data than can help improve the consumer experience - all without interruption," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR).
The leaders continued, “Our focus now turns to understanding the finer details and enforcement mechanisms of the new deal, which hopefully won’t temper today’s good news. All of the unnecessary delay has been costly, but it’s important to note just how critical this is for job creators on both sides of the Atlantic and our respective economies. The United States has a rich tradition of working with our friends across the Atlantic and we’re hopeful that this agreement will preserve the partnership throughout the new gig economy."
