Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman John Joyce, Leader of the Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group, announced on Apr. 22 the introduction of two new bills: the SECURE Data Act and the GUARD Financial Data Act. The announcement was made in coordination with Congressman French Hill, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services; Congressman Bill Huizenga, Vice Chairman of that committee; and Congressman Bryan Steil.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen protections for Americans’ personal and financial data. The SECURE Data Act seeks to establish clear rules for privacy and security nationwide, while the GUARD Financial Data Act focuses on modernizing existing financial data laws to give consumers more control over their information.
Guthrie and Joyce said in a joint statement: “The Energy and Commerce Data Privacy Working Group was created to reset the discussion on comprehensive data privacy, taking wide ranging input from stakeholders and crafting a consensus bill that protects the privacy and security of Americans’ personal data. The SECURE Data Act is the result. This bill establishes clear, enforceable protections so that Americans remain in charge of their own data and companies are held accountable for its safe keeping. We look forward to working with our colleagues to build support for this bill and advance data privacy protections fit for our 21st century economy.”
Hill, Huizenga, and Steil addressed changes in technology since passage of previous federal law: “For decades, Americans have entrusted financial institutions to maintain the privacy and security of their financial information... That is why we have introduced the GUARD Financial Data Act to modernize [the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act]. Our bill minimizes data collection... allows customers... access... deletion... requires a consumer’s affirmative opt-in consent before sensitive personal information can be disclosed.” They added: “This effort represents a significant step to strengthen consumer protections...”
According to the official website, the House Energy and Commerce Committee handles legislation related to energy policy as well as health care, environmental protection, telecommunications, innovation in broadband deployment, pharmaceutical pricing reforms—making it one of Congress's oldest standing committees since its origins as early as 1795.
The broader impact may include increased transparency about how companies collect or share personal information—including disclosures about transfers involving foreign adversaries—and stronger obligations around parental consent when processing children’s or teens’ data. Both committees indicated ongoing collaboration as these measures move through Congress.
