Aaron White, Director of Communication for the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), released the following response in reaction to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s advancement of the American Innovation and Choice Online Act:
“For those of us that believe in good governance and the importance of legislative deliberation and debate, today’s markup of the American Innovation and Choice Online Act was embarrassing for the Senate.
“The Judiciary Committee’s markup made it crystal clear that there are still significant, unresolved concerns on both sides of the aisle. As written, the bill sparks major national security and privacy risks, includes overly broad and burdensome language, and will harm American consumers, workers, and the digital economy.
“Senator after Senator raised concerns that this was a rushed legislative process, and this bill is not ready for primetime, yet Senator Klobuchar chose to force this vote. The Senate should do its job and return to the legislative process that all Senators can be proud of. This bill should not see the Senate floor until the legitimate concerns of Senators are addressed.
“The digital economy is a hallmark American achievement that has created millions of middle-class jobs. Scrutiny is important and healthy; but the Senate must address their concerns in a deliberative fashion — not in a haphazard, potentially reckless manner.”
###
