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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.”  

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! 

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke with Fox News Digital about the American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 . The bipartisan, bicameral draft legislation will establish a national data privacy and security standard and give people the right to control their personal information online. Highlights and excerpts from the article : “Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said it is her ‘biggest fear’ as a parent for her children’s sensitive data to be exploited online, and she is aiming to quell those fears for herself and millions of Americans with a new federal data privacy standard .  “ ‘ There’s very dangerous activity online, and data collection is foundationally how these algorithms are developed and then ultimately used to target children, but also people in general,' Rodgers told Fox News Digital in an interview.   “‘This is really my biggest fear as a parent, having three school-aged children, other friends who have had kids that have been targeted online. We know that these algorithms have been targeting children with dangerous content, targeted advertising that leads to dangerous life-threatening behaviors.’” [...] “The Washington Republican teamed up with Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., to unveil a bipartisan framework aimed at giving Americans more control over personal data they share online and empowering them to take action when that sensitive information falls prey to bad actors." […] “It also gives people the right to sue if a company [...] continues to harvest and sell their data without their permission, and if a data breach or hack caused ‘clear harm,’ Rodgers explained. “Rodgers told Fox News Digital to expect a hearing this week as the legislation begins to make its way through Congress. “The ambitious proposal would set the first-ever federal data privacy standard if passed. However, the issue of data privacy has been around for a long time – almost as long as the internet itself. “‘It is imperative that we move this bill. It's been decades that Congress has been grappling with a privacy data security law, and it is past time for us to put people in control of their data,’ she said.” CLICK HERE to read the full article. CLICK HERE to watch our legislative hearing on Wednesday to discuss the draft legislation and other solutions to protect people online.

The American Privacy Rights Act gives people fundamental, enforceable data privacy rights, puts people in control of their own data, and eliminates the patchwork of state laws House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined CNN This Morning with Kasie Hunt to discuss the American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 . The bipartisan, bicameral draft legislation will establish a national data privacy and security standard and give people the right to control their personal information online. Highlights and excerpts from the interview: ESTABLISHING PRIVACY RIGHTS   “This would really be historic. This is two decades in the making for us to establish a national privacy data security law protecting individuals' personal data online. It is establishing privacy rights for individuals, and it helps all of us, but especially our children.   “It is different than what Europe put into place that has caused a lot of concerns among small businesses in particular. We believe, because of the work that we have done, it limits the amount of data that can be collected to begin with—data minimization. And then when your data is transferred, when it's sold, you will be notified that your data is being used and you will have an option to opt-out of that.   “It really is establishing the privacy rights of an individual to know what's being collected, how it is being used, if it’s being sold, if it’s being used in targeting advertising—you would have more rights over how your data is being used.”  CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING PEOPLE’S PRIVACY RIGHTS “Well, [the bill] establishes a private right of action for the first time where an individual would be able to bring forward a lawsuit.   [...]  “We aren't interested in targeting businesses that just somehow inadvertently are using data wrong. If you are not selling [people's] data, you're not covered at all. There's a threshold for small businesses, and we want to make sure that we're really going after the bad actors.”   REINING IN BIG TECH “[Big Tech] is collecting, right now, unlimited amounts of data. There is no limit on the amount of data being collected—sensitive data, tracking your location, your search history, biometric data. “For the first time, there will be a limitation put on companies as to the collection of data, and then the individual has a right to know what's being collected. “They're not going to be happy about that and how it curves the targeted advertising. You go online and search for a pair of running shoes and all sudden you're flooded with all kinds of ads—you would be empowered for the first time to determine whether or not you want you want your data to be used like that.” NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT “We've had a number of years, a lot of members on both sides of the aisle, House and Senate, that have been working on establishing a privacy right, believing that it is important that individuals are protected online and that we have more control over the data that’s being collected. “There's been a lot of work done—years worth of work—and I'm really encouraged right now that Senator Cantwell, the Chair of the Commerce Committee in the Senate, and myself as the Chair of the House Committee have been able to hammer out a bill and reach an agreement. “[For example] on preemption of the state laws, right now, there's a patchwork of state laws that causes even more confusion. There's been a lot of work done, and now we have a moment to act. This will be historic, and it's really important for all Americans, but especially our kids.”  

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined KHQ in Spokane, Washington, to share the significance of the American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 . The bipartisan, bicameral draft legislation will establish a national data privacy and security standard and give people the right to control their personal information online. Highlights and excerpts of Chair Rodgers from the interview:  ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL DATA PRIVACY STANDARD   “We're giving people the right to control their personal information online by establishing this national, uniform standard across the states because what we're seeing is that we're having a patchwork of state laws develop.    “This draft that Senator Cantwell and I have agreed to is stronger than any state law on the books.    “It has really been the work of years in the House and the Senate, various members, but for us to be able to propose this draft bill that will give Americans control over where their information goes, who can sell it, it's empowering individuals to enforce their data privacy rights, it protects American civil rights, and it is reining in Big Tech.”   OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT PEOPLE’S PRIVACY RIGHTS   “This is the best opportunity that we've had in years, almost two decades, to actually establish a national data privacy and security standard and give people the right to control their information online.   “We do not have a national standard right now. We have some states that have taken action, but this is going to establish one national privacy standard that will protect Americans of all ages, no matter where they live in the US.    “It's also going to prohibit Big Tech from tracking, predicting, and manipulating people for profit without their knowledge and consent, and it will strengthen protections for children, so what we include in this bill is real consequences if they're tracking kids data, creating dangerous algorithms, and using it to profit off of our children.    “This is something that all Americans, but especially parents, want and they're looking to us, as their elected officials, to act.”   HOLDING BIG TECH ACCOUNTABLE   “It's also important to make it very clear that this is only if you're a business that is selling the data.    “We don't want to go after small businesses, so we have a threshold, and if you're a business that isn't selling the data, you would be protected under this law.    [...] “Right now, there's too many examples where [Big Tech] has tracked, manipulated or targeted individuals, children, and others." GIVING AMERICANS CONTROL OVER THEIR DATA   “The legislation will minimize the amount of data that a company can collect, keep, and use from the very beginning.    “Oftentimes, sometimes [companies] will need [personalized data] to provide products and services but oftentimes they're going beyond what they actually need.    [...] “If [your data is] being sold, [people] will have a right to be able to opt-out.   “So, this bill is going to stop people's personal information from being shared or sold without them even knowing it.”   ADVANCING THE AMERICAN PRIVACY RIGHTS ACT   “I believe that this is a very important moment.    “We've been working for years, in the House and the Senate, to pass a bill.    “We need to get this bill on the President's desk to implement national data privacy rights for all Americans.    “As the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the House, I plan to move forward in regular order, have hearings, give stakeholders and other members an opportunity to give their input, and then work it through the markups where various members can participate.    “I believe that's going to also be important to the ultimate success of this bill, but I do believe that this is a historic moment.    “It's very important, and I'm really encouraged that Senator Cantwell and I coming from Washington state have been able to agree on a draft bill that we can move forward, and our goal is ultimately to get it on the President's desk.”   CLICK HERE to watch the full interview.

Highlights from the Energy Subcommittee Field Hearing on Biden’s De Facto LNG Export Ban The Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) led a field hearing in Port Arthur, Texas, this week. Local leaders celebrated the economic and public benefits of American energy production in the community—and the country as a whole—while also warning of the dangers of President Biden’s decision to halt American LNG exports. Check out these stories from the hearing: The impacts of President Joe Biden’s LNG export permit freeze has reverberated across the nation’s oil/gas industry. But nowhere are its impacts felt more acutely than in southeast Texas, where as many as 24 job-generating petrochemical infrastructure projects, including several already under way, are now in limbo. The uncertainty fostered by the Biden administration’s Jan. 26 implementation of a “temporary pause” in LNG export permits most notably threatens to derail economic development in Port Arthur and Beaumont, two port cities where billions in planned job-generating investments by private industries have been tailored to benefit local residents and redress long standing community environmental concerns. Local officials outlined how the LNG permit freeze has paralyzed economic development across southeast Texas during a 90-minute April 8 congressional field hearing at Lamar State College in Port Arthur. The administration’s “stopping or suspending LNG exports has an obvious and direct impact on maritime commerce and the jobs it supports” in the region, Port of Port Arthur Port Director/CEO Larry Kelley told the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Energy, Climate & Grid Security Subcommittee.   At a field hearing on Monday held at Lamar State College in Port Arthur Texas, members of the Congressional Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security listened to testimony from witnesses regarding the impact that the pause has had on the community.   The first witness who spoke was Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor of Port Arthur. He called for both sides to reach a compromise but was firm in his stance that the pause will have a negative impact on the economy of Port Arthur.   “The rush to green concept that is being applied to the said LNG supplier will have a negative impact on the economic growth and stability of Port Arthur, Texas. The jobs Arthurans have during this construction phase will be compromised negatively if the permitting is continued to be disallowed,” said Bartie.   Dr Betty Reynard, President of Lamar State College testimony addressed the growth in scholarship opportunities that are being provided for students by the LNG industry. She also spoke of the growth in college programs for LNG related careers and internships from LNG companies.   The fight continues between Southeast Texas lawmakers and the Biden administration's halt on all future liquified natural gas (LNG) exports.   U.S. Representative Randy Weber joined the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security for a hearing to discuss the effects of the ban.   Weber says he refuses to give in and wants Southeast Texas to remain on the frontlines of energy exports.   "Joe Biden's ban directly jeopardizes Port Arthur's LNG which broke ground in construction last month," Weber said.   Weber continues to stand firm with other Southeast Texas leaders including Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie against the Biden administration's decision to halt permits on all major LNG exports. Energy Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) said , “Port Arthur and the folks here today are the backbone of the American energy industry. It is a major energy hub, home to many oil and gas facilities, including several LNG export terminals. “You all are who we have to thank when we turn our lights on, start our engines, and blast our AC in the hot summer months. You are who the Biden administration should have consulted with prior to his decision.”   Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) added , “Just a few miles away from here is the home of Port Arthur LNG and Golden Pass LNG, both of which provide THOUSANDS of direct jobs and BILLIONS of dollars back into our community.”  Prior to the field hearing, Members toured Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG Export facility.   From left to right: Reps. Randy Weber (R-TX), Morgan Griffith (R-VA),   Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX)  CLICK HERE to watch the hearing.  CLICK HERE to read Rep. Randy Weber’s (R-TX) op-ed on Biden’s LNG export ban.  CLICK HERE to distinguish LNG myths from fact.  CLICK HERE to read about the letter more than 150 House Republicans sent to President Biden demanding he end his LNG export ban.

American LNG improves our economy, environment, and national security In advance of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s field hearing in Port Arthur, Texas, it's important to remember why this hearing is necessary. President Biden’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export ban is a blatant political decision to appease his radical base at the expense of communities like Port Arthur. This war on American energy hurts our economy and jobs, jeopardizes the stability and affordability of natural gas domestically, and undermines our allies abroad. Clean, affordable, and reliable American LNG is the lifeblood of many American communities. Studies show that LNG exports could add upwards of $73 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040, create upwards of 453,000 American jobs, and increase U.S. held purchasing power by $30 billion. As America has become the number one producer and exporter of LNG in the world—with no thanks to President Biden—we have strengthened our economy, lowered costs for families, and reduced emissions more than any other nation in the world. President Biden’s decision to halt LNG exports sends the wrong signal to our allies and American energy producers—and it jeopardizes America’s future leadership. In Port Arthur, Texas, Freeport LNG directly employs more than 500 people and supports 30,000 jobs indirectly. Its projects help fund fire and police services, local infrastructure, and emergency medical services. Freeport LNG’s success is supporting residents and lifting up communities. Unfortunately, its communities like Port Arthur that are suffering from the consequences of President Biden’s radical anti-energy agenda. The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal called President Biden’s decision " a win for political symbolism, not the climate ” and “ Biden’s Worst Energy Decision .” We agree and so do over 130 local and state Chambers of Commerce .  That’s why the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act , to reverse President Biden’s ban on American LNG and instead work to support energy-producing communities like Port Arthur, lower energy costs, and secure American energy leadership. Tune in to today’s field hearing at 3:30 PM CT to hear directly from those facing the consequences of President Biden’s political decision to ban LNG exports.  CLICK HERE to read Rep. Randy Weber’s (R-TX) op-ed on Biden’s LNG export ban. CLICK HERE to read about how the LNG export ban affects farmers. CLICK HERE to distinguish LNG myths from fact. CLICK HERE to read about the letter more than 150 House Republicans sent to President Biden demanding he end his LNG export ban. 

House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) unveiled the bipartisan, bicameral American Privacy Rights Act . This comprehensive draft legislation sets clear, national data privacy rights and protections for Americans, eliminates the existing patchwork of state comprehensive data privacy laws, and gives Americans the ability to enforce their privacy rights when their rights are violated. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Spokane Republican who leads the House Energy and Commerce Committee, have appeared at odds on data privacy since introducing competing legislation in recent years. But in interviews on Sunday, the two women said they have a compromise bill that can get to President Joe Biden’s desk before McMorris Rodgers leaves Congress at the end of the year.   The bipartisan agreement [...] marks a milestone in the congressional debate over data privacy. The issue has befuddled lawmakers despite near-universal agreement—in Silicon Valley and in Washington—on the need for federal standards to determine how much information companies can collect from consumers online.   “It reins in Big Tech by prohibiting them from tracking, predicting, and manipulating people’s behaviors for profit without their knowledge and consent. Americans overwhelmingly want these rights, and they are looking to us, their elected representatives, to act,” [Chair Roders] said.   The draft allows consumers to opt out of data collection or even edit or delete their data. Companies will be required to become more transparent about their data collection practices in order for consumers to decide what to do with their data. Consumers will be able to sue companies if they do not comply.   The agreement [...] would give individuals control over use of their personal information and require disclosure if data has been transferred to foreign adversaries.  In addition, companies would have to ensure that any algorithms used to analyze personal data aren't biased, and companies that buy and sell personal data would have to register with the Federal Trade Commission.   Consumers would also have greater control over how their data is used under the measure. One provision of the proposal would allow consumers to opt out of targeted ads — i.e., advertisements sent to them based on their personal data.   The intrigue: Big tech players are usually the first to come to mind on data privacy issues, but the bill covers telecom companies and nonprofits that handle troves of data, too.   "This is the first time that the two chairs of the committees of jurisdiction have come to an agreement, Chair Rodgers and Chair Cantwell, who are both from different political parties, and that has been elusive in this debate since it started," said one aide. CLICK HERE to read more about the American Privacy Rights Act.

The American Privacy Rights Act Puts People in Control of their Data House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Commerce Chair Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) unveiled the American Privacy Rights Act of 2024, which will put people in control of their personal data by establishing a uniform national standard for data privacy and security.  As first reported by the Spokesman Review , the bill eliminates the existing patchwork of state comprehensive data privacy laws, establishes strong data security protections, and gives Americans historical landmark privacy rights as well as the ability to enforce those rights. Highlights and excerpts from the Spokesman Review :   “Since the dawn of the internet age, tech companies have developed increasingly sophisticated ways to collect and use vast swaths of Americans’ personal data, while Congress has repeatedly failed to regulate the practice. Now, two Washington state lawmakers have a bipartisan plan to break that impasse and set a national standard for data privacy. “Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Spokane Republican who leads the House Energy and Commerce Committee, have appeared at odds on data privacy since introducing competing legislation in recent years. But in interviews on Sunday, the two women said they have a compromise bill that can get to President Joe Biden’s desk before McMorris Rodgers leaves Congress at the end of the year. “'This is a historic piece of legislation that we’ve been working on for several years,’ McMorris Rodgers said. ‘Online privacy protections shouldn’t differ across state lines. What we see is a patchwork of state laws developing, and this draft that Sen. Cantwell and I have agreed to will establish privacy protections that are stronger than any state law on the books.’  “The draft legislation, obtained exclusively by The Spokesman-Review, would limit the data that companies can collect, retain and use to only what they need to provide their products and services. That would represent a major change from the current consent-based system that forces users to scroll through long privacy agreements and barrages them with pop-ups asking for their permission to be tracked online.   “The American Privacy Rights Act, or APRA, would let Americans opt out of targeted advertising and view, correct, export or delete their data and stop its sale or transfer. It would create a national registry of the data brokers that buy and sell personal information, and would require those companies to let people opt out of having their data collected and sold.”  [...]  “Cantwell said that the negotiations were aided by a strong relationship between her and McMorris Rodgers that had been forged by working through some ‘really thorny problems,’ including wildfires and the Spokane Tribe’s 2020 settlement with the federal government for damage done by the Grand Coulee Dam.  “McMorris Rodgers agreed that representing the same state helped their bipartisan data privacy bill become a reality.   "‘It’s been an exercise in building trust,’ McMorris Rodgers said. ‘We come from a state that has a large tech presence, a state that has led in technology, and I think all of that has played a part in bringing us together at this moment. And it really is a significant moment for us to lead, both for Washington state and for the nation.’”   CLICK HERE to read the full article.