CMT Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Establishing a Federal Data Privacy Law

https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/cmt-subcommittee-holds-hearing-on-establishing-a-federal-data-privacy-law

Publish Date: 2026-06-03 17:56:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled Examining Legislation to Establish a Federal Comprehensive Privacy and Data Security Law.

“Americans, regardless of political affiliation, share a fundamental expectation that their personal data be protected and secure. The SECURE DATA Act builds on proven, successful models to establish a strong national privacy and data security standard with meaningful, enforceable consumer protections,” said Chairman Bilirakis. “The productive dialogue during today’s hearing represents an important step toward creating a framework that puts constituents back in control of their personal information while holding bad actors accountable. We look forward to advancing this legislative package and ensuring these critical safeguards are enacted.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13): “Why do you believe that the consensus state approach to comprehensive privacy and data security offers the best pathway forward to consensus from the federal level?” Ms. Watts: “We are really proud in Kentucky to have had a consensus-based bill that passed unanimously through our general assembly and was signed into law.” Congressman Joyce: “How’s it working?” Ms. Watts: “It’s working great so far. It passed during the general assembly of 2024. It is now in full effect. […] It passed unanimously. And we have a supermajority of Republicans.” Congressman Joyce: “And who signed it into law?” Ms. Watts: “A Democratic Governor.” Congressman Joyce: “This shows that this is a bipartisan concern. We in the U.S. House of Representatives understand that and can work in a bipartisan manner to make this effective.”