ml> U.S. Congressman Cliff Stearns (FL06)- Press Release

NEWS FROM

North Central Florida's Congressman

CLIFF STEARNS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2001		 CONTACT: PAUL FLUSCHE
(202) 225-5744

STEARNS OUTLINES AGENDA FOR COMMERCE, TRADE & CONSUMER PROTECTION SUBCOMMITTEE

FOCUSES ON INTERNET PRIVACY, REMOVING BARRIERS TO E-COMMERCE, AND EXAMINING IMPACT OF MEGA-MERGERS

WASHINGTON, FEB. 9, 2001 -- Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee, outlined his tentative subcommittee agenda for panel members. "Given the rapid evolution and importance of electronic commerce, I intend that the subcommittee examine key e-commerce issues significantly impacting the economy and the consumer," said Stearns. "The panel will focus on removing barriers to the growth of e-commerce while being fully mindful of consumers' interests and rights."

Stearns characterized his e-commerce priorities as falling into three general categories: on-line privacy, cybersecurity, and removing international regulatory barriers to e-commerce. Specific issues noted in his outline included, the protection of personally identifiable information and genetic data, cyberfraud and identify theft, Internet gambling, encryption, data base protection, and Internet sales taxation.

Stearns said that under his panel's trade jurisdiction, he will examine international barriers to e-commerce and their removal where warranted. Certain taxation and privacy policies, jurisdictional restraints and limitations on free speech and commerce by key international actors, Stearns said may curtail the growth of e-commerce worldwide.

With oversight authority on the Federal Trade Commission, Stearns said the subcommittee will review the impact of mega-mergers on consumers. He noted that a thorough review of the effectiveness in cyberspace of our existing consumer protection laws may also be in order. "I see the mission of this subcommittee as encouraging and promoting the continued growth of e-commerce, yet insuring that consumers are protected," added Stearns.

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