Us Congress Senate Bill SR155

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should negotiate strong, inclusive, and forward-looking rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy in order to ensure that the United States values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of digital governance.

Impact

The bill highlights that the digital economy has already made substantial contributions to the U.S. GDP and job market, reflecting its potential to foster economic growth. It argues for an evolution of policies that can ensure digital trade remains a critical component of economic strategies that bolster worker empowerment and protection. By pursuing strong digital trade agreements, the resolution aims to set a standard that can unite allies around democratic values while addressing the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes and other countries with restrictive digital policies.

Summary

SR155 expresses the Senate's sense that the United States should negotiate robust and inclusive rules on digital trade and the digital economy in collaboration with like-minded countries. The resolution emphasizes the importance of integrating U.S. values, including democracy, freedom of speech, and privacy rights, into global digital governance frameworks. It recognizes the increasing significance of digital trade in the modern economy, which includes the movement of goods and services across borders via digital platforms and the necessity of a free and open internet to foster economic growth and innovation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SR155 focus on the balance between facilitating free trade and protecting human rights. Critics may argue about the implications of negotiating with countries that have vastly different approaches to internet freedom and privacy. Furthermore, the resolution implicitly raises concerns over how digital trade agreements could intersect with national security protections and the safeguarding of citizen rights amidst rising global tensions and competing digital governance models.