Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Markup Recap: Monumental Step Forward for Data Privacy and Kids Online Safety

Washington D.C. — The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced proposals today that will establish one national standard for data privacy, protect kids online, and preserve Americans’ access to A.M. radio. In a Subcommittee markup, the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee forwarded three pieces of legislation to the Full Committee for consideration.

As Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said, “The American Privacy Rights Act is an opportunity for a reset, one that can help return us to the American Dream our Founders envisioned. 

“It gives people the right to control their personal information online, something the American people overwhelmingly want. They’re tired of having their personal information abused for profit.” 

Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) added, “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.” 

Legislative Vote Summary:

  • H.R. ____, the American Privacy Rights Act discussion draft, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. 
  • H.R. 7891, the Kids Online Safety Act, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote. 
  • H.R. 8449, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a voice vote.