NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) have revealed a bipartisan draft legislation to sunset Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The leaders expressed their intent in an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, outlining that the legislation aims to motivate Congress and stakeholders to collaborate over the next 18 months to evaluate and enact a new legal framework. This framework would facilitate free speech and innovation while also encouraging companies to responsibly manage their platforms.

In excerpts from The Wall Street Journal op-ed by Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone, they stated: "The internet’s original promise was to help people and businesses connect, innovate and share information. Congress passed the Communications Decency Act in 1996 to realize those goals. It was an overwhelming success. Section 230 of the act helped shepherd the internet from the “you’ve got mail” era into today’s global nexus of communication and commerce."

However, they noted that Section 230 is now undermining the healthy online ecosystem it once nurtured. They asserted that Big Tech companies are exploiting this law as a shield against responsibility or accountability for any harm their platforms may cause Americans, particularly children.

They wrote: "Congress’s failure to revisit this law is irresponsible and untenable. That is why we’re taking bipartisan action." They further added that previous attempts by lawmakers to address these concerns were unsuccessful due in part to Big Tech's refusal to engage meaningfully.

The leaders clarified their measure's objective: "Our measure aims to restore the internet’s intended purpose—to be a force for free expression, prosperity and innovation." They emphasized that their bill would require Big Tech companies to cooperate with Congress over 18 months in evaluating and enacting a new legal framework promoting free speech, innovation, and responsible platform stewardship.

For more details on this matter, you can read the full op-ed and the bipartisan discussion draft legislation.