Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan Developing and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act. The bill, which was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), would convene a working group of federal entities and experts from the private and academic sectors tasked with providing recommendations to Congress on how to facilitate the growth of connected Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The group’s recommendations would focus on how to plan for, and encourage, the development and deployment of the IoT in the U.S.  

“The DIGIT Act will encourage planning for a more connected future through the Internet of Things, and I’m pleased to see it clear the Commerce Committee today. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work on this bipartisan initiative with the Senate IoT Working Group. Through this bill, we can better inform and coordinate federal efforts to create innovative solutions that will benefit our society and economy,” said Senator Fischer.

“With our bill now one step closer to becoming law, we have a chance to improve IoT policies across government so that this technology can continue serving consumers and improving commerce,” said Senator Schatz.

“As connected technology continues to evolve, it’s critical that Congress updates federal policy to keep pace with innovation in order to keep America competitive, and I’m glad today the Senate Commerce Committee passed the bipartisan DIGIT Act. I look forward to working with Senators Fischer, Booker, and Schatz to examine the full impact of new technologies and find legislative solutions that will unleash the power of American entrepreneurship to create jobs and boost economic growth,” said Senator Gardner.

“Today’s bipartisan vote in support of The DIGIT Act is an important step in addressing our most pressing tech challenges. Our bipartisan bill will foster future innovation, protect consumers in our changing economy, and help our country continue to lead the world in advancing cutting-edge technologies,” said Senator Booker.

Additionally, the DIGIT Act directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete a report assessing spectrum needs required to support the Internet of Things. 

The DIGIT Act is supported by: The App Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CTIA, the Competitive Carriers Association, the Computing Research Association, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Intel, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the Security Industry Association, the Semiconductor Industry Association, the Telecommunications Industry Association, and VMware.

The DIGIT Act unanimously passed the Senate in the 115th Congress. Click here to read more about the DIGIT Act

 

**Click here to read the text of the DIGIT Act**

 

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