Press

Apr 27 2016

Four Fischer Bills Pass Commerce Committee

Commerce Committee Approves Fischer’s Four Bipartisan Bills, Including The DIGIT Act, MARAD Reauthorization, Kari’s Law, and Spoofing Prevention

WASHINGTON – This morning, the Senate Commerce Committee passed four bipartisan bills introduced by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). They include S. 2607, the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act, S. 2829, the Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act of 2017, S. 2553, The Kari’s Law Act, and S. 2558, The Spoofing Prevention Act of 2016. Senator Fischer released the following statement regarding passage of the bills this afternoon:

“I’m proud to see each of my bills, which generated broad bipartisan support, pass the Commerce Committee this morning. From keeping goods moving to embracing connected technologies, we can build a better economy. By updating our emergency call capabilities and correcting loopholes in consumer protection laws, we can provide some peace of mind and prevent fraud. Solutions like these are made possible through building coalitions and common sense. I hope to see these measures swiftly advance to the Senate floor for a vote.”

Read below for more information on Senator Fischer’s bills, which passed the Senate Commerce Committee this morning:

S. 2607, the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act:

On March 1, 2016, Senator Fischer joined Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to introduce S. 2607, the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act. The bill addresses the future impact of new connected technologies, known as the “Internet of Things.” The DIGIT Act builds upon the senators’ resolution that passed the Senate in March of 2015 and calls for a national strategy on the Internet of Things.

The legislation has broad support across the technology industry, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the Security Industry Association, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), and the National Association of Manufacturers.

S. 2829, the Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act of 2017:

Senator Fischer joined Senator Cory Booker on April 22, 2016, to introduce legislation to reauthorize the Maritime Administration (MARAD) at the Department of Transportation. The bill recognizes the important role of America’s maritime transportation system and takes critical steps to improve the management of MARAD. It also strengthens sexual assault prevention and response programs at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

S. 2553, the Kari’s Law Act:

On February 11, 2016, Senator Fischer joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), along with Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), to introduce S. 2553, the Kari’s Law Act. The bill would require multiline telephone systems (MLTS), which are commonly used in hotels and offices, to be able to directly dial 911.

Kari’s law is named for Kari Hunt, who was murdered in her hotel room in 2013 after her 9-year-old daughter desperately tried to call 911 for help. The hotel’s phone service, like many across the country, required dialing “9” before entering 911 in order for the call to go through.

Kari’s Law was first introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas on December 3, 2015. The bill would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require MLTS to be designed and configured in a way that allows users to directly dial 911 without using an access code, such as “9,” to reach an outside number. 

S. 2558, the Spoofing Prevention Act of 2016:

Senator Fischer joined Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) on February 22, 2016, to introduce bipartisan legislation, known as S. 2558, the Spoofing Prevention Act of 2016. The bill would close existing legal loopholes that allow fraudulent caller ID information to be conveyed through texts, certain IP-enabled voice services, and calls originating outside the United States.

Caller ID spoofing refers to the practice of deliberately falsifying telephone numbers and/or names relayed through caller ID. Major targets of spoofing often include seniors, veterans, and law enforcement. 

The Spoofing Prevention Act of 2016 directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of the actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to combat spoofing. It also directs the GAO to identify any additional measures that may be needed to combat this practice.

In addition, the bill directs the FCC to publish on its website consumer education materials that provide information about ways to identify scams using Caller ID spoofing and existing technology consumers can use to protect themselves.  

Click here to read more about the Spoofing Prevention Act 
in the Omaha World-Herald.
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