Subcommittee focused on keeping cross-border data flows open

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, chaired by Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.), will hear from industry experts on the issue of transferring data across international borders during a hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The transfer of data across international borders allows for the free flow of information, goods and services, supporting businesses in every sector of the global and digital economy while also creating jobs. The subcommittee’s concern is that if the information can’t flow, neither can business.

The U.S. is in the midst of trade negotiations that will set the baseline for international data transfer policy.

As the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Trade in Services Agreement and Safe Harbor Framework trade negotiations progress, the subcommittee believes that it remains critical to understand the importance of cross-border data flows for economic growth and jobs. It also says it is just as important to understand the negative effects of some potentially protectionist data policies, whether under the pretext of privacy concerns or hopes of supporting local businesses.

Titled “Cross-Border Data Flows: Could Foreign Protectionism Hurt U.S. Jobs?,” the hearing will be held in Room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building.