NE Washington News

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee markup of three bills:

As prepared for delivery:

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s Subcommittee markup where we will consider three significant Subcommittee priority pieces of legislation to protect Americans’ data privacy rights, protect kids online, and preserve access to AM radio.

“I want to thank all the Subcommittee members for their input and feedback on these topics, and I am looking forward to continuing productive conversations in a bipartisan manner to refine these bills as we move through the legislative process.

“We have a historic opportunity to advance legislation that will end the patchwork and finally provide a federal standard to govern how Americans’ personal information is collected, stored, retained, and transferred.

“The American Privacy Rights Act is the strongest consumer data privacy and security framework to date—it provides businesses with certainty through a national preemptive standard, secures individual liberties through strong data minimization provisions, and cements America’s global leadership through data security provisions that warn consumers when their information is being collected and shared with our foreign adversaries, like China and Russia.“

YEARS OF CONGRESSIONAL EFFORT

“For years, Congress has long tried to thread the needle when it comes to getting a national data privacy bill enacted into law, given the many differences in approach from both sides of the political spectrum.

“I want to applaud Chair Rodgers and Chair Cantwell for their tireless efforts to move forward with a framework that strikes this critical balance, as well as all the members on both sides of the aisle that have provisions included in the draft before us today.

“I understand many stakeholders have continued to engage with every office on their requests, and I look forward to hearing from my colleagues about how we can continue to incorporate that feedback.

“I’m thankful for all the constructive comments we’ve received up to this point.

“This is certainly not the last opportunity to deliberate and refine this draft further.

“But time is of the essence, so let’s continue to move this process forward to protect Americans' privacy rights, promote individual freedoms and civil liberties, and secure data from abuse by bad actors.”

KOSA

“In addition to APRA, I’m proud that we are also considering my bill H.R. 7891, the Kids Online Safety Act.

“I’m thankful to Rep. Castor for her partnership on this effort as well as the many colleagues on this Subcommittee who’ve cosponsored our legislation.

Sadly, in the face of an unprecedented youth mental health crisis in this nation Big Tech has continued turning a blind eye toward harms perpetuated on their online platforms.

“Congress has been forced to step in ensuring children and parents have safeguards tools transparency measures they need stay safe.

“KOSA requires prevention mitigation harms minors such promotion suicide depression substance abuse sexual exploitation illegal drug sales such fentanyl.

“Too often seen design features social media fuel problems rather than prevent them.

“This legislation not perfect hopeful conversations today illuminate better establish needed protections children.”

PRESERVING AM RADIO

“Lastly Subcommittee taking bipartisan bill leading Ranking Member Pallone AM Radio Every Vehicle Act.

“At legislative hearing heard witnesses importance having robust emergency alert public safety communications infrastructure.

“Further rural underserved Americans still enjoy listening AM radio broadcasts diverse viewpoints.

“Given AM radio significant reach medium much taking place vehicles must ensure remains readily available option all Americans particularly approach hurricane season.

“I’m proud partner Ranking Member Pallone initiative look forward advancing through Subcommittee today.”

“In closing look forward working colleagues both sides aisle today get critical bills across finish line."

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