Washington, D.C. – Throughout the Senate Judiciary Committee’s markup of the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, a bipartisan chorus of lawmakers spoke up about the need for the Senate to slow down and fully examine the widespread, negative impact the bill would have on America’s economy, national security, and competitiveness. In the rush to get this bill through committee, lawmakers did not hold a committee hearing to get input from experts about what this bill would actually mean for our nation’s future. In response, Carl Holshouser, TechNet SVP, issued the following statement:
“Instead of inviting national security leaders, economists, and business leaders into the discussion of how to most effectively protect consumers, grow our economy, and maintain our competitive edge against China, lawmakers rushed a bill through committee that will undermine all of these essential priorities. Amid a pandemic and record inflation, it’s our hope that Senate leadership will reconsider this rushed process that will restrict American innovation and have thoughtful policy discussions and a thorough examination of the widespread negative impact this bill will have.”
Below are the quotes of several Senators on the Judiciary Committee who expressed concerns today about moving this bill out of committee:
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX): “I share many of the concerns that Senators have raised, but I do want to raise some concerns about the process. In my experience around here is that process has a big impact on the quality of the product we’re ultimately able to pass, assuming we can pass it at all. I am struck by the bipartisan nature of the questions and concerns that have been raised here today. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that this bill has never had a full committee hearing.”
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT): “I want to make sure we are not inadvertently harming national security.”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT): “In not one of these [subcommittee] hearings did we have witnesses brought in for the purpose of answering questions regarding how these provisions — individually and collectively — would operate. We still have yet to hold a hearing on this bill.”
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC): “I have concerns with this specific bill as it’s currently drafted. I believe the bill overreaches, and it needs further refinement before it’s considered by the full Senate. I’ve submitted over 40 amendments…The bill needs more clarity.”
Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA): “I’m concerned that this really is going to be very dangerous legislation. It may end up giving a very competitive advantage to large global businesses that narrowly escape being regulated by the bill.”
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA): “I’m a co-sponsor of this bill and this bill’s going to change, change dramatically, hopefully for the better. I expect to be in this room when these changes are made, otherwise I’ll be off this bill faster than you can say ‘big tech.’”
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE): “I have remaining concerns about privacy and security, our global competitiveness and about services that are widely popular with consumers and my constituents.”