Online Protection
As more and more consumer activity moves to the Internet, we have a responsibility to protect the personal information of the public. I have been a strong supporter of efforts to safeguard personal information and an opponent of legislation that would threaten civil liberties in cyberspace.
While employers, schools, and colleges have always been interested in the social networking content posted by their employees, students, and applicants, they have only recently begun to demand password and other login information as a term or enrollment or employment. I have introduced legislation that would restrict the ability of employers and schools from requiring such personal information.
As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I have had an opportunity to actively engage in American intelligence policymaking and oversight.
Legislation I've Introduced
Social Networking Online Protection Act (SNOPA) - Congressman Elliot Engel and I introduced the Social Networking Online Protection Act (SNOPA), which would restrict employers, universities, and local education authorities from requiring the disclosure of personal account information by employees, students, or applicants. SNOPA will ensure that personal accounts remain private, and I am working to see bipartisan legislation signed into law.
More on Online Protection
This past week, we held leadership elections for the 118th Congress. I would like to congratulate Minority Leader-designate Hakeem Jeffries, Whip-designate Katherine Clark, and Chairman-designate Pete Aguilar. I have the utmost confidence in our new leaders, who truly epitomize the great diversity of our nation.
I spoke with WTTW about my priorities for the end of the year and shared my reaction to Speaker Pelosi passing the torch to a new generation of leaders.
On Thursday, my treasured friend, Nancy Pelosi, announced that she will be leaving House leadership, but will remain in Congress representing her beloved city of San Francisco. This week marks 16 years since I was able to second her nomination as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. In my nominating speech back in 2006, I promised that she was going to be a leader for every day, hardworking Americans. Today, I can proudly say that she went above and beyond the duties of her office.
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chair and Ranking Member of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, celebrated the House passage of their bill, the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act, which directs online marketplaces to verify the identity of high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products.
Our most fundamental rights are under attack. In the last two weeks, the House of Representatives passed legislation to protect the right to abortions, contraception, interstate travel, and gay marriage. Now, it is up to the Senate to pass these bills so they can be sent to President Biden's desk and signed into law.
This week, I discuss the latest efforts by the House of Representatives to put in place both gun safety and privacy protection laws. I also reflect on the prime-time hearing held by the January 6th Select Committee and I commemorate LQBTQ+ Pride month.
CHICAGO – U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined consumer protection advocates and local business leaders to call for the passage of their bipartisan Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act. This legislation would combat the online sale of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products by ensuring transparency and verification of high-volume third-party sellers in online retail marketplaces.
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) applauded recent action taken by the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from fraudulent telemarketing calls selling sham automobile warranties. They released the following joint statement:
