Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following joint statement today after the House of Representatives passed two bipartisan consumer protection and commerce bills:
“Today the House passed two bipartisan bills that prioritize the safety of Americans at home and promote the American economy internationally.
“The first bill addresses surveillance issues posed by the growing array of smart devices and household appliances with voice, video, and internet connectivity technology. While these devices undoubtedly make our lives easier, we must also ensure they are not able to listen to or watch us in our homes without our knowledge or consent. This bill requires manufacturers of these internet-connected devices to notify consumers if a camera or microphone is part of a device so that Americans can make informed decisions about their privacy at home.
“The second bill bolsters our travel and tourism industry in the United States by establishing the role of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism. This Assistant Secretary will be charged with developing a COVID-19 recovery strategy and a ten-year American travel and tourism strategy to help the industry continue to attract visitors from the rest of the world for years to come.
“We are appreciative of our colleagues’ work on both of these bills, which passed the Committee with unanimous bipartisan support, and urge swift passage in the Senate."
The House of Representatives passed the following two bills:
H.R. 4081, the “Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act," was introduced by Reps. John Curtis (R-UT) and Seth Moulton (D-MA). This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices (e.g., smart appliances) that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers that a camera or microphone is part of the device. The bill passed by an en bloc vote of 296-127.
H.R. 6965, the “Visit America Act," was introduced by Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV), Ed Case (D-HI), and Don Young (R-AK). This bill implements measures to support the U.S. travel and tourism industry and to address the declining percentage of international visitors to the United States. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Commerce to develop a 10-year travel and tourism strategy with annual goals for the number of international visitors to the United States and for travel exports. The bill passed on the House Floor by a vote of 325-93.
