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It’s National Small Business Week! Small businesses are the engine of our economy—leading the way in American innovation and ingenuity. In fact, small businesses are responsible for 70 percent of American jobs. To win the future and lead the global economy, we must advance policies to help America’s small businesses be successful. One way to do this is with a national data privacy and security standard, like the bipartisan American Privacy Rights Act .  Right now, growing small businesses and startups are forced to navigate a patchwork of state data privacy laws. 16 states have privacy laws that regulate the commercial collection and use of people’s data.  Ensuring compliance with multiple state laws can be costly and time consuming — forcing companies to divert valuable resources that could be used to improve or grow their business. It’s estimated that, without a national data privacy standard, U.S. small businesses could pay upwards of $20-23 billion annually trying to comply with a patchwork of state laws. Startups and small businesses simply cannot afford to comply with 50 different versions of rules. That’s why we’re leading on the American Privacy Rights Act to create a clear and consistent data privacy standard across all 50 states. Our bipartisan draft legislation strikes the right balance by giving Americans more control over where their personal information goes and who can sell it, while making sure small businesses and entrepreneurs are able to continue thriving and innovating in the U.S. 137 of the world’s 194 countries have national privacy laws. The United States does not. If we wait any longer, the larger the patchwork of state laws will grow and hurt American businesses, deter companies from operating and innovating in America, and undermine our ability to influence global standards to benefit the U.S. The American Privacy Rights Act ensures businesses have one clear set of rules to operate under— so a business will have the same standards in California as it does in Washington or Virginia. To further support small businesses and entrepreneurs, the American Privacy Rights Act exempts those that do not sell their customer’s data for profit, those with an annual revenue of $40 million or less, and those that do not collect, process, retain, or transfer the data of 200,000 customers or fewer from the requirements of the bill. The American Privacy Rights Act is focused on the business of data, not Main Street business. It’s past time for the United States to have one uniform, comprehensive data privacy standard that empowers small businesses to grow and thrive. Congress has been searching for a solution on this issue for decades, and now we have it with the American Privacy Rights Act .

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing titled “Preserving Americans’ Access to AM Radio."  SAVE AM RADIO “I appreciate the witnesses being here to provide their perspectives on the important legislation being discussed to preserve the American people’s access to AM radio. “This committee is at the forefront of advancing legislation that will strengthen American leadership in cutting-edge technologies. “At the same time, as we make the transition to these new technologies, it is vital that we’re mindful of unintended consequences and how these kinds of transitions can impact our communities. “Communities across the country are now beginning to feel the impact of some automakers deciding to permanently remove AM radio from new vehicle models. “At a hearing last year, this Committee discussed how important access to AM radio continues to be for many of our constituents. “For the people of Eastern Washington, it's how they hear the news in their communities, listen to sports, and receive critical information during emergencies. “In some parts of my district, people have limited access to FM radio and broadband, so AM radio is the only source of information. “Eastern Washington is far from unique when it comes to our reliance on AM radio. “Many members of this committee have constituents who find themselves in similar situations. “That’s why it’s concerning that some auto manufacturers have taken steps to remove AM radios from new vehicle models while disregarding for the impact. “This decision would affect tens of millions of Americans—some estimates show that more than 45 million Americans tune into AM radio each month.” PRESERVING OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL AND INDEPENDENT BROADCASTERS “AM radio is unique—not only is it free to consumers but, in comparison to alternatives, it can be transmitted over long distances with relatively low power. “It also provides an existence for small broadcasters, especially religious and minority broadcasters, that are highly valued by many Americans, myself included. Removing AM radios from vehicles puts their future at risk. “I know some people are quick to dismiss this issue by saying there are plenty of outlets for such content. “But while people in some parts of the country have been able to take advantage of alternative options in vehicles for accessing AM radio, like streaming services or satellite radio, these options are still unavailable in many places.” VITAL IN EMERGENCIES “We also know from our hearing last year that AM is especially resilient and dependable in emergencies. “It is a core piece of our National Public Warning System—a system used by national, state, and local authorities to communicate life-saving information. “Members up and down the dais, across both sides of the aisle, have had first-hand experiences dealing with natural disasters in their states, including wildfires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, even earthquakes. “And while other forms of communication have failed during these incidents, AM radio has often remained resilient, operational and has been a calming voice in the storm when on the go. “Just this week, it was reported that, when tornadoes swept across the Midwest, many people were receiving critical emergency updates via AM radio in their cars.” TIME TO MOVE FORWARD “We're at a moment where we as the representatives of the people are being forced to intervene on behalf of them, because their concerns continue to be ignored by corporations making consumer vehicles. “I do not consider a mandate on manufacturers to continue including AM radio in vehicles lightly. “But the reality is that automakers have been aware of these bipartisan, bicameral concerns for a long time, and have yet to adequately address them with any private sector solutions. “It’s disappointing, and ultimately, it’s why we’re here today having this discussion. “Whether they’re tuning in for local news, agricultural and weather reports, information during an emergency, or to listen to their favorite talk radio personality, AM radio continues to be a trusted way for Americans to stay connected. “AM radio fosters a sense of local identity, connecting people through regional programming that reflects the unique perspectives and traditions of their communities. “It’s closer to the people, telling the stories and sharing the perspectives that the national news doesn’t cover and sometimes ignores, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring local government accountability. “I look forward to moving past this issue and getting back to working in a bipartisan manner on other key issues for the future of vehicles in this country, like Autonomous vehicle legislation, so that America remains the leader in automotive innovation, not China. “I look forward to a productive discussion today. “As we discuss how to navigate our increasingly digital world, let us not forget the enduring and necessary role AM radio continues to play for people across the country.” 

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee legislative hearing titled “Preserving Americans’ Access to AM Radio." ACCESS TO AM RADIO IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS   “Every one of us here, both the witnesses and Members on this dais, should agree there is a distinct importance of having a robust and widely accessible communications infrastructure to alert Americans and ensure public safety in the event of emergencies and natural disasters.  “Our citizens should have quick access to critical information, which helps them make timely and potentially lifesaving decisions to evacuate, stay in place, seek shelter, or contact first responders.  “The Emergency Alert System plays a crucial role in this infrastructure, as it can be used across our nation to disseminate this important emergency information.  “I’ve long been a champion for improving these public alerts to ensure they reach everyone, as I was the sponsor of the Integrated Public Alert Warning System Modernization Act, which was enacted into law and authorized an update to these systems to incorporate multiple communications technologies both presently and in the future. “The system’s requirements also meant alerts needed to go to the largest portion of affected population feasible, including those with access and functional needs, individuals with disabilities, and those in rural and remote areas. States like Florida rely on this system during hurricanes to alert people to dangers related to such powerful storms. RELIABLE WAY TO ACCESS DIVERSE VOICES “I believe this is where AM Radio can become so important and will continue to be into the future. “According to Nielsen Media Research, radio broadcasting still has the highest reach of any medium, capable of reaching 91% of American adults, with most of the listening taking place outside of the home. “We know that AM radio signals can cover a larger geographic area, especially when other networks fail. “Furthermore, people in my district and elsewhere in the most diverse of settings enjoy the differing viewpoints and local perspectives that AM Radio offers. “I know in my district in Citrus and Hernando Counties in Florida, I hear from constituents on a regular basis how much they enjoy listening to local news on AM Radio, as well as particularly the conservative and Christian radio stations that are in the Tampa Bay area. “So, when we heard that reports that certain automobile manufacturers were exploring the idea of getting rid of this option for American consumers, many here in Congress (including myself) expressed concerns – I believe we should maintain as many available options for Americans as possible. PRESERVING AM RADIO FOR AMERICANS “This is why we are here to discuss the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. “This legislation will require the Department of Transportation to work with the FCC to issue a nationwide standard to ensure that new vehicles have access to AM Radio stations. Now, generally speaking, I do have concerns about broad government mandates, and I hope we can have a robust and constructive discussion from each of our witnesses to ensure that we get this right, and that we are not inadvertently hampering innovation both now and in the future. “We must also ensure we don’t cause undue cost burdens onto our constituents. “Nevertheless, Americans deserve to have the highest number of options for how they receive information in their homes and in their cars.” 

Americans Support a National Data Privacy Standard The American Privacy Rights Act puts people in control of their own data, gives Americans enforceable data privacy rights, and eliminates the patchwork of state laws. Americans overwhelmingly support stronger data privacy protections, which would protect people, especially children, from Big Tech and other companies who are exploiting our personal information to target and manipulate us. On Wednesday, April 17, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a legislative hearing to discuss the bipartisan, bicameral data privacy legislation along with other proposals to protect kids online. As Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said , “ Right now, the average American spends nearly seven hours online a day, with two and a half hours of that time being spent on social media platforms. “The consequences range from increased suicide rates and depression, to increased polarization and loss of trust in our institutions. All the while, these companies are collecting nearly every data point imaginable which they use to then control what we see and when we see it.” [...] “Many companies are using their control over our data to erode people’s agency, their rights, and their identity. It’s time for that status quo to change.”   [...] “Congress has been trying to develop and pass comprehensive data privacy and security legislation for decades. With the American Privacy Rights Act, we are at a unique moment in history where we finally have the opportunity to imagine the internet as a force for prosperity and good.”   Every witness at our hearing agreed: This is Congress’s best chance to establish comprehensive data privacy protections. Watch:   Kara Frederick, Director of the Tech Policy Center at the Heritage Foundation , said, “I firmly believe the issue before us, data privacy, is the lynchpin upon which every piece of tech policy legislation will hinge.” [...] “Nowadays, when you give your kid a smartphone, you are not giving your kid access to the world, you are giving the world access to your kid.”   A key focus of the hearing was how the algorithms developed by these companies are designed to hold our attention, a feature that has been particularly harmful to kids. We have all heard countless stories of children being targeted with content that can lead to dangerous, life-threatening behaviors, which is why parents across the country overwhelmingly support stronger online protections for their children. Last week, members heard from Ava Smithing , who experienced first-hand the way that a large-scale collection of data can tailor algorithms to exploit kids’ vulnerabilities.  Watch Ava talk about the need for data minimization in order to protect kids online: Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) asked the witnesses “Who is the greatest threats to Americans’ data security?” They answered that the top threats are individuals who are using data to scam and steal from Americans, foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party, and Big Tech companies.  Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) asked Kara Frederick about creating specific privacy protections for children. She replied that “children's consciences are not properly formed before these companies are going at them.”  Rep. John James (R-MI) and Witness Katherine Kuehn of the National Technology Security Coalition also talked about how important the American Privacy Rights Act is for seniors.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is leading to advance the American Privacy Rights Act , which establishes strong data privacy protections for people of every age in every state. Last week, the Committee held a legislative hearing to consider data privacy and security proposals that eliminate the existing patchwork of state laws, protect children online, set clear national data privacy rights, and give Americans the ability to enforce their privacy rights.  Kara Frederick, Director of the Tech Policy Center at the Heritage Foundation, said this on Fox & Friends about the American Privacy Rights Act : “This is the moment. This is the first time the United States could actually pass a national data protection framework which protects us, young and old. [The American Privacy Rights Act] is the thing we should be training our focus on because it underpins everything that kids can do on social media and every predation that Big Tech can train on young children.” Politico Pro – Morning Technology: “ On the same page: One area of consensus was APRA’s data minimization standard [...] which requires a company to only collect the information that’s necessary to provide its services to users.  “Five out of the six witnesses Wednesday said data minimization is the most essential provision in APRA.  “This provision would be a shift from the current data collection model of 'notice and consent,' where companies can collect and use data for purposes disclosed in their privacy policies unless a person opts out.”  [...]  “APRA even came up when the discussion switched to bills about children’s safety online, including the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0). Companions to both bills have advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee and are awaiting a Senate floor vote.” Washington Post: “House lawmakers pledged to take swift action on data privacy and children’s online safety at a key legislative hearing Wednesday.” [...] “Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee touted the breakthrough deal struck by Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) as a significant step forward in the debate over privacy protections. Several expressed confidence that Congress will finally get a national law on the books after years of false starts. “'I’m fired up. We’ve got to get this done,’ said Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), whose subcommittee held the hearing. ‘I’m fired up, too. […] We do need to get this done,’ echoed Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.).” The Verge: “Legislators are ‘fired up’ about what they see as an actual chance at passing comprehensive privacy reform.  “ We might really do it this time. “That was the takeaway that House lawmakers were eager to impart at a hearing in the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on innovation, data, and commerce (IDC). Comprehensive data privacy legislation is on the table yet again—but this time, it’s different.” [...] “Comprehensive privacy protection has been a shared bipartisan goal for years but has failed to become law due to disagreements on the finer points: Should they preempt state legislation that’s provided some baseline protections in the absence of federal ones? Should individual consumers have a private right of action to sue for violations of their data rights? “This is the closest that Congress has gotten to advancing comprehensive privacy legislation in some time.”  Read more coverage from Yahoo News , The National Desk , and Inside Radio . CLICK HERE to watch Chair Rodgers on NewsNation discussing the American Privacy Rights Act .

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) praised the inclusion of H.R. 7520, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, and H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, in the 21 st Century Peace Through Strength Act that passed the House today. “These bills are the result of diligent and bipartisan work to protect Americans’ data and address the serious national security threat posed by our adversaries. Today’s vote is a clear victory for protecting Americans online and off, but there is still work to be done,” said Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone. “Companies and bad actors are collecting troves of our data unchecked and using it to exploit, monetize, and manipulate Americans of all ages. This cannot be allowed to continue, which is why today’s actions are an important step forward as the Energy and Commerce Committee continues to work together on tech accountability measures.”

Next Steps for the American Privacy Rights Act House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined NewsNation’s Markie Martin on Wake Up America this morning to discuss the Committee’s legislative hearing on the American Privacy Rights Act as well as next steps for the draft legislation. Highlights and excerpts from the interview below: PUTTING AMERICANS IN CONTROL OF THEIR DATA “[This bill] would mean that you would be able to know what profile [companies] have collected on you. “There would be a limited amount of data that would be collected to begin with, sensitive data, like your location data and your search engine history—personal information that identifies you. [...] “It puts individuals back in control. This is important to all Americans. “Parents are calling upon Congress to act because we know that too many people are being targeted, especially our kids, and manipulated for dangerous purposes.” DANGERS OF UNCHECKED DATA COLLECTION "Ultimately it is Big Tech that is manipulating how you think and how you act. “We heard testimony yesterday at the hearing from a young lady, Ava, who talked about the troves of data, really an arsenal of data, that had been collected on her by her search history, but also just staying on a post for too long. “They were able to identify her vulnerabilities and ultimately take her down this path that led to an eating disorder. “And unfortunately, these are the kinds of stories that are repeated over and over where they're able to predict how we think and how we act and, too many times, bad actors are using it for purposes that are very destructive.” NEXT STEPS FOR THE AMERICAN PRIVACY RIGHTS ACT “Members on both sides of the aisle know that we need to act. “I'm really excited that we've been able to hammer out an agreed upon proposal that is bipartisan and also bicameral. House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats coming together. “We've been working on this for years, but now is the time to act. “At yesterday's hearing in the House, members on both sides of the aisle expressed so much encouragement for a draft proposal, a national privacy standard, that we will be able to put into place to protect all Americans online, but especially our children. “Many members have been involved in efforts through the years but the time to act is now and we've reached an agreement on a draft bill that we plan to keep moving through this process. “As the Chair of the Committee, we had the hearing, now we're going to start working through actually introducing the bill, as well as the kids’ online safety bills, and moving them through the legislative process to get them onto the Floor and ultimately the President's desk.”  

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee hearing titled “Legislative Solutions to Protect Kids Online and Ensure Americans’ Data Privacy Rights.” “Right now, the average American spends nearly seven hours online a day, with two and a half hours of that time being spent on social media platforms. “The consequences range from increased suicide rates and depression, to increased polarization and loss of trust in our institutions. “All the while, these companies are collecting nearly every data point imaginable which they use to then control what we see and when we see it. “Many of these tools were created with good intentions to bring people together. “But over time they have strayed from their core mission in the interest of more control over our lives. “This isn’t the American dream. America was built on individual liberty and freedom, freedom of thought, expression, and speech.” REFLECTING BACK ON WHERE WE STARTED “Our founders fought for these freedoms because they were tired of living under the crushing weight of tyranny. “They were tired of being told how to think and how to live by a few elites who thought they knew best and who exploited others for their own power and wealth. “Fast forward to today, we find ourselves living in a similar, modern form of digital tyranny, where a handful of companies and bad actors are exploiting our personal information, monetizing it, and using it to manipulate how we think and act.” HOW WE GET BACK ON TRACK “Many companies are using their control over our data to erode people’s agency, their rights, and their identity. “It’s time for that status quo to change. “Today, we will be discussing several pieces of legislation, including the American Privacy Rights Act, to give people the RIGHT to control their personal information online and not have it used against them. “We’re putting people back in control of who they are, what they think, and how they live their lives. “This is especially necessary for our children. “As a mom of three school-aged children, Big Tech platforms are my biggest fear. “The algorithms developed by these companies are specifically designed to get kids addicted to their platforms, and they’ve been used to target children with content that leads to dangerous, life-threatening behaviors. “For me and my husband, as well as millions of parents across the country, this is a battle for our kids’ development, their mental health, and ultimately, their safety. “We must build a better future for our children. They are our future. THE AMERICAN PRIVACY RIGHTS ACT “The American Privacy Rights Act is foundational for protecting our kids online. “Working together with other important legislation, like the Kids Online Safety Act, the Children’s and Teen’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and other bills, which we’re also discussing today, these solutions will ensure the best protections to date for our children. “Today we find ourselves at a crossroads. “We can either continue down the path we’re on, letting companies and bad actors continue to collect troves of our data unchecked while they trample on core American values, like free expression, free speech, and identity, or we can give people the right to control their information online. “Congress has been trying to develop and pass comprehensive data privacy and security legislation for decades. “With the American Privacy Rights Act, we are at a unique moment in history where we finally have the opportunity to imagine the internet as a force for prosperity and good. “I’d like to thank Senator Cantwell for working with me on this landmark draft bill. “I would also like to thank Ranking Member Pallone, who has been a trusted partner over the years as we have worked together on privacy. “We would not be here today without his tireless efforts and leadership, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to strengthen privacy protections for Americans. “I’d also like to thank the members of this committee—Republicans and Democrats—many of whom have also been involved in these efforts over several congresses. “I look forward to continuing to work together to get this legislation through Congress and signed into law.”

Tune in to the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Legislative Hearing on Proposals to Protect People Online Meet Ava Smithing.   A Nashville, Tennessee-native, she grew up playing volleyball, including at the Stevens Institute of Technology where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2023.  She’s now among those leading the charge to ensure that Americans—especially young people—can use social media platforms without being targeted or manipulated.   In her role as Director of Advocacy at the Young People’s Alliance, Ava is stepping up to confront a challenge that she and so many other young people face today: social media companies exploiting Americans’ mental health.  Big Tech platforms collected and then weaponized Ava’s data—like her age, location, and gender—against her. According to Ava, “they used my data to infer what other types of ads and content I might ‘like,’ leading me down a pipeline from bikini ads, to exercise videos, to dieting tips, and finally to eating disorder content.”  By monitoring her post engagements and what she spent time viewing, social media companies could track Ava’s vulnerabilities. These platforms were able to drive her into a downward spiral that resulted in a threat to her well-being. In her case, watching one video for just a little too long encouraged the algorithm to funnel harmful content into Ava’s feed.  Ava says, “How was I—a 14-year-old child—supposed to understand that social media platforms would use my age, location, and gender to target me with advertisements designed to instill insecurity in me?”  Today, Ava is flipping the script. As an advocate, she is leading to promote kids’ safety online through a national data privacy standard so people can control their data and be protected from manipulative algorithms.  Last week, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced a comprehensive data privacy bill, the American Privacy Rights Act.    Support for establishing privacy rights has more momentum than ever, in no small part because people like Ava are speaking up about the consequences of companies’ unchecked power.  Among its protections, the American Privacy Rights Act will establish the ability for users opt-out of targeted advertising. Ava said that if such an option existed when she first joined social media, she may never have been put in harm’s way.  The bill also requires companies to review their algorithms to ensure they do not endanger children through malicious content suggestions. This will stop the downward spiral that exploits so many children online.  The Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a legislative hearing at 10:00 AM today to consider proposals to protect kids online and advance strong comprehensive data privacy protections. Ava Smithing will highlight why these proposals are critical for Americans who want to use the internet without being targeted and manipulated by the sites they visit. Be sure to tune in!