Enacting a Single, Robust National Privacy Law
Congress must pass national privacy legislation that protects all Americans equally. It should also pass a privacy law with strong preemption to ensure that a confusing patchwork of laws is eliminated. Such legislation should draw upon the Consensus Privacy Approach adopted in states like Texas, Indiana, Nebraska, and Colorado, which already protects over 100 million Americans by giving them the right to access, correct, and delete data as well as opt out of data sales and certain automated profiling and targeted advertising. Congress should avoid imposing overly burdensome strict data minimization requirements that inhibit innovation, public health, and security. Enforcement of data privacy legislation should rest with the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general and not with easily abused private rights of action.
What Policymakers Can Do: Pass National Privacy Legislation Based on the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act with Strong Preemption and reform State Wiretap laws to prevent abusive litigation.
Maintaining American AI Leadership
For the U.S., small businesses, and startups to compete, America must draw upon its advantages like its high-skilled workforce and existing legal frameworks while getting AI-specific policies right in the areas of responsible use and resources.
- Responsible AI. Congress should draw upon the lessons and conditions that enabled the digital internetbased economy to flourish and resist the urge to implement top-down and one-sizefits-all regulations that require permission to innovate. Instead, the federal and state governments should rely upon existing laws and voluntary standards to combat harms facilitated by AI such as fraud. Policymakers should take a balanced view to recognize the value of open-source AI and refrain from enacting new regulations that inhibit its development and distribution. At the same time, agencies should not shoehorn existing authorities like national security laws to regulate ancillary domestic policy issues. Where Congress has not already provided clear authorities, it should take a risk-based approach to regulating harms as in the case of deepfake revenge images.
What Policymakers Can Do: Congress should fund the enforcement of existing laws and pass legislation like the TAKE IT DOWN Act to address harms where the law has not caught up with technology. Congress can also preempt state laws to prevent a complicated patchwork that disadvantages American competitiveness.
- Resources. For America to fully realize the potential of AI, it will need high-quality data and computing capacity. The Chamber will continue to support programs like the National AI Research Resource.
Bringing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Into the 21st Century
America is home to innovative communications technology companies and a diverse media marketplace that is changing how Americans are connected, communicate, and receive information. However, the FCC’s antiquated regulatory structure impedes unleashing the private sector’s full potential to deliver novel and innovative services to millions of Americans. Policymakers should pursue comprehensive reform of the ability of the FCC and related agencies to regulate the communications sector.
- Targeted and Efficient Programs to Promote Broadband Access and Adoption
- Tailored Regulatory Framework for Broadband as Opposed to Public Utility Treatment
- Efficient and Fair FCC Regulatory Enforcement Process
- Timely and Pro-Competitive Merger and Transaction Reviews
- Modernized Regulations for a 21st Century Media Marketplace
- Predictable and Coordinated Spectrum Allocation and Management
- Streamlined Permitting for Communications Infrastructure
Establishing Quantum Leadership
Quantum technology holds the potential to bolster America’s global strategic leadership and develop breakthroughs in medical and scientific research.
Policymakers should continue support for quantum R&D and workforce development, support efforts to accelerate quantum technology commercialization, ensure resilient supply chains, and take a measured approach to any potential regulations while safeguarding U.S. national security, including securing against quantum-enabled cyberattacks.
What Policymakers Can Do? Pass and fund the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.
Unlocking the Potential of Automated Vehicles (AVs)
AVs will increase safety, reduce the economic costs of traffic accidents, create jobs, increase mobility for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and improve air quality. Policymakers at the Department of Transportation and in Congress should advance a policy agenda that enables the safe, widespread deployment of automated vehicle technology.
Enabling Innovation Safely and Securely in the National Airspace
New technologies such as small drones and advanced air mobility are revolutionizing the national airspace by creating new transportation solutions for Americans, enabling small businesses to reach more customers, and lowering costs through increased productivity. The Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration should prioritize advancing Congress’ directives in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization to unlock the benefits of these technologies. At the same time, Congress and the administration must ensure the security of the airspace from malicious drones by enacting comprehensive counter-drone legislation.
Ensuring Sensible Online Governance
The internet and online apps have enabled greater convenience, free flow of thought, and the ability of small businesses to compete with larger companies. In 1996, Congress enacted Section 230 of the Communications Act, which generally prevents interactive computer services from being liable for the activities of third-party content. Since 1996, the internet and the data-driven economy have thrived. Congress should reject calls to outright repeal this landmark law. Additionally, government should avoid advancing policies that restrict the First Amendment protected speech rights of individual private citizens and online platforms.
Growing Our Energy, Supply, and Talent Pipelines
As America works to establish itself as a leader in AI, quantum, emerging transportation like automated vehicles and advanced air mobility, and advanced manufacturing, the nation will need to make sure that it has the capacity to meet electrical demand growth. The U.S must continue to shore up its supply of semiconductors by removing nonessential regulatory impediments.
Policymakers must ensure that technology and AI training is built into K through 12 education as well as encourage upskilling with local community colleges, local chambers of commerce, and the Small Business Administration. Further, Congress should address streamlining immigration laws to ensure that America can attract and retain talent.
Bolstering Research and Development
America should bolster its investments in basic research and development. At the same time, it must avoid attaching unnecessary strings to funding things such as marchin rights, which will threaten intellectual property rights and discourage innovation.
Government Efficiency and Modernization
Government must work better and more efficiently for its citizens. The federal government and the states must make keen long-term investments in digital transformation. Such investments should be done to prioritize outdated legacy systems and deemed to be in the public interest. Such investments should be done with rigorous government oversight to ensure that they are a good use of taxpayer funds. Congress must prioritize digitizing government and opening data for research.
