Us Congress House Bill HR270

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives 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 American 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 the crucial role that digital trade plays in the overall U.S. economy, as evidenced by significant contributions to GDP and job creation. With the digital economy easing international transactions through the free flow of data, HR270 aims to frame U.S. policies that keep pace with international digital developments while safeguarding American values. By negotiating standards for digital practices, the U.S. aims to counteract policies from other nations that may undermine these principles, thus potentially reshaping how domestic laws interact with international digital trade norms.

Summary

HR270 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of negotiating strong and inclusive rules for digital trade and the digital economy. The bill emphasizes that these rules should align with American values such as democracy, freedom of speech, human rights, and privacy. It suggests that through strategic negotiations with like-minded countries, the U.S. can bolster its stance in global digital governance and advance its economic interests in the digital landscape. The overarching goal is to promote a thriving digital economy that benefits American workers, consumers, and small businesses.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention may arise from the balance between enforcing robust standards and addressing the need for flexibility in the digital economy's rapidly evolving landscape. Critics may argue whether these negotiations could lead to restrictions that disadvantage certain innovative sectors or create tensions in relationships with countries that have differing standards for digital trade. The inclusion of stakeholders in the negotiation process is also emphasized, which could reflect complexities in aligning diverse interests across the American workforce and businesses while maintaining international competitiveness.