House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered remarks at today’s Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee markup on the need to enact comprehensive privacy and data security protections for Americans.
Excerpts and highlights from her remarks:
“Last week, we held our first legislative hearing on the bipartisan, bicameral American Data Privacy and Protection Act.
“I’m pleased to say that we have officially introduced this legislation as the next step in this process of plowing the hard ground to legislate for a national standard.
“I want to thank Chairman Pallone, Subcommittee Chairwoman Schakowsky, and Republican Subcommittee Leader Bilirakis.
“I would also like to thank our Senate colleague, Senator Wicker for his bicameral support.”
AMERICANS WANT MORE PRIVACY PROTECTIONS
“There is no better time than now to enact comprehensive privacy and data security protections.
“According to a recent Morning Consult/Politico survey, more than 80 percent of Americans support the key pillars of our legislation.
“Their support for a national framework enacted by Congress is overwhelming and bipartisan.
“Now it is time to do our job.”
OUR DOOR REMAINS OPEN FOR INPUT
“Our framework is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades for a national data privacy standard.
“It is a culmination of years of effort with policies that have been public and received comment over that time and will put people in charge of their own data.
“We have received constructive feedback from stakeholders and colleagues.
“Those that have participated have already improved this bill and as we move the bill through this process we will continue to welcome and encourage input.
“That is a key purpose of moving legislation through regular order, leading to better outcomes and stronger solutions.”
AMERICAN DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION ACT SOLUTIONS
“As we continue our process, we must remain focused on creating the best standard possible to protect people’s privacy, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and ensure American leadership.
“First and foremost, Americans need one national standard, not a patchwork of state laws.
“This bill protects all Americans, regardless of zip code, and provides certainty for businesses so they clearly understand their obligations.
“We also need to target malicious data practices from bad actors.
“Last week, it was reported that TikTok knowingly allowed the Chinese Communist Party to access American user data collected by the app, after telling Americans and Congress on numerous occasions that they do not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government, CCP, or any Chinese state-owned entities.
“This is unacceptable and a complete betrayal of trust.
“People should know how their data is collected and shared, which is why we’d require companies to specify when they are transferring and storing people’s data in countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
“Preventing real harms from bad actors is equally important for protecting our children and minors—especially from Big Tech—no matter where they live.
“If Big Tech can’t target our kids, they can’t exploit them.
“Our bill would foster stronger data security practices by requiring companies to only keep information they need and encouraging them to take steps to better secure data that is retained.
“It also requires Big Tech to examine how their algorithms may harm individuals, including children, and while the bill places strict requirements on Big Tech companies, which can afford high compliance costs, it ensures small businesses and startups remain competitive by equipping them with resources to comply with their obligations and providing relief from burdensome compliance mechanisms.
“This allows them to unleash their full potential to better power America’s economy.
“A comprehensive, forward-thinking national privacy standard will secure American global economic leadership and ensure that we win the future.
“We are also marking up several important bills, like Reese’s law, led by Ms. Kelly to protect children.
“I want to thank Trista Hamsmith—her courage and leadership makes a difference for families across America.
“We are also examining the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2021, introduced by Mr. Armstrong with Ms. Dean, and several other bipartisan cosponsors.
“The Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act led by Mr. Curtis and Mr. Moulton, requiring smart devices, like TVs, disclose to customers when the device includes a microphone or camera.
“The RANSOMWARE Act from Mr. Bilirakis will protect our economic and online data security by requiring the FTC to report on ransomware attacks from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
“Additionally, Mr. Tonko has a bill, the Manufacturing.gov Act, with Reps. Upton and Axne to help streamline access to information about federal manufacturing programs, as I know there is more this committee can do to encourage investment in American companies.
“I look forward to discussing these bills today.”
Source: https://republicans-energycommerce.house.gov/news/press-release/leader-rodgers-overwhelming-number-of-americans-support-key-pillars-of-privacy-bill/
