3C Reacts to Surprise Vote on American Privacy Rights Act in House E&C Committee

WASHINGTON (September 17, 2024): Connected Commerce Council (3C) Executive Director Rob Retzlaff today issued the following statement ahead of Wednesday’s surprise vote on the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) as an amendment to unrelated legislation (H.R. 7890) because it is too unpopular and dangerous on its own. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), failed to advance out of Committee earlier this year. 

“Chairwoman McMorris Rodgers is using her position as House E&C Chair to strong-arm Members into voting on a deeply flawed bill in an underhanded manner, apparently seeking to enhance her legacy as she nears retirement. Prioritizing her legacy over quality legislation will seriously harm small businesses nationwide — including those in Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ district who have spoken out against APRA.

“Small businesses have made clear that overregulating the data that powers their marketing and advertising would make it much harder for them to find customers and grow. APRA’s definition of ‘sensitive data’ would also dramatically limit small businesses’ ability to engage in common marketing activities that help drive sales. 

“As Congress struggles to keep the government funded, this is no time to be playing games with America’s hardworking small businesses. E&C Members should voice their concerns directly to Chair Rodgers and Republican leadership, and request that they put a stop to this sneak attempt to pass a bill that will harm America’s small businesses.”