Washington, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) react to the Public Health Emergency Privacy Act introduced by House and Senate Democrats.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made American leadership in emerging technology more important than ever as we find innovative ways to combat the virus. As our nation and our world continue to respond during this unprecedented time, Americans need to trust that their personal information will remain protected and innovators have the certainty to take a risk on developing new, life-saving technology. Now is the time for Congress to work together for the American people - not to put forth partisan proposals that have no chance at becoming law, only enrich the trial bar, and destroy any hope of developing effective technological solutions to the virus. Let’s break this litigation addiction, and come together to put forth a national data privacy standard that will spur innovation, protect consumers, and bolster American leadership in today’s interconnected world. We have worked in good faith with the Majority to develop a broader national standard over the last year and a half, including releasing the only bipartisan staff draft on either side of the Capitol. This partisan bill jeopardizes months of bipartisan negotiations by doubling down on misguided policies that kill the small businesses and life-saving innovators who are seeking to serve our constituents," Walden and McMorris Rodgers said.
