SHOCKING CANCELLATION ROCKS WASHINGTON: Privacy Bill’s Future Hangs in the Balance
In a stunning move, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has abruptly canceled a markup on 11 bills, including the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The sudden decision has left lawmakers and advocates reeling, sparking widespread speculation about the true motivations behind the cancellation.
According to insiders, disagreements with Republican House leadership played a significant role in the cancellation. Key Republican leaders, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have been vocal about their concerns with the bill, particularly around private rights of action that would allow individuals to pursue lawsuits over alleged privacy violations.
But what’s really going on here? Is it just a simple disagreement between lawmakers, or is there something more sinister at play? One thing is clear: the cancellation of the markup is a major blow to the future of national privacy rights, which had been gaining momentum just a few months ago.
THE PLAYERS
- House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) has been a key player in the development of APRA, but her statement after the cancellation did little to clarify the situation.
- Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) has been a strong advocate for the bill, but his frustration with Republican leadership is palpable.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has expressed support for a privacy bill, but his recent comments suggest that APRA may be too much to handle.
- Tech industry groups, including TechNet and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), have been vocal about their opposition to the bill, citing concerns about preemption and excessive lawsuits.
THE CONSEQUENCES
The cancellation of the markup has sent shockwaves through the tech industry and beyond. Civil society groups, including the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union, had been urging lawmakers to restore key provisions to the bill, including civil rights and algorithm auditing provisions.
The Tech Industry’s Secret Agenda
But what’s really going on here? Is the tech industry’s opposition to APRA just about protecting their profits, or is there something more sinister at play? One thing is clear: the tech industry has a lot to lose if this bill passes.
THE FUTURE IS UNCERTAIN
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the future of national privacy rights is more uncertain than ever. Will lawmakers find a way to come together and pass a bill that truly protects Americans’ privacy, or will special interests continue to hold sway? Only time will tell.
