[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H5298-H5300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE ABOUT A NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE
INTERNET OF THINGS
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 847) expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives about a national strategy for the Internet of Things to
promote economic growth and consumer empowerment.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 847
Whereas the Internet of Things currently connects tens of
billions of devices worldwide and has the potential to
generate trillions of dollars in economic opportunity;
Whereas increased connectivity can empower consumers in
nearly every aspect of their daily lives, including in the
fields of agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, public
safety, security, and transportation, to name just a few;
Whereas businesses across the economy can simplify
logistics, cut costs in supply chains, and pass savings on to
consumers because of the Internet of Things and innovations
derived from it;
Whereas the Internet of Things, through augmented data
collection and process analyses, optimizes energy consumption
by increasing energy efficiency and reducing usage and
demand;
Whereas the United States should strive to be a world
leader in smart cities and smart infrastructure to ensure its
citizens and businesses, in both rural and urban parts of the
country, have access to the safest and most resilient
communities in the world;
Whereas the United States is the world leader in developing
the Internet of Things technology, and with a national
strategy guiding both public and private entities, the United
States will continue to produce breakthrough technologies and
lead the world in innovation;
Whereas the evolution of the Internet of Things is a
nascent market, the future direction of which holds much
promise;
Whereas businesses should implement reasonable privacy and
cybersecurity practices and protect consumers' personal
information to increase confidence, trust, and acceptance of
this emerging market;
Whereas the Internet of Things represents a wide range of
technologies, in numerous industry sectors and overseen by
various governmental entities; and
Whereas coordination between all stakeholders of the
Internet of Things on relevant developments, impediments, and
achievements is a vital ingredient to the continued
advancement of pioneering technology: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of
Representatives that--
(1) the United States should develop a national strategy to
encourage the development of the Internet of Things in a way
that maximizes the promise connected technologies hold to
empower consumers, foster future economic growth, and improve
the Nation's collective social well-being;
(2) the United States should prioritize accelerating the
development and deployment of the Internet of Things in a way
that recognizes its benefits, allows for future innovation,
and responsibly protects against misuse;
(3) the United States should recognize the important role
that businesses play in the future development of the
Internet of Things and engage in inclusive dialogue with
industry and work cooperatively wherever possible;
(4) the United States Government should determine if using
the Internet of Things can improve Government efficiency and
effectiveness and cut waste, fraud, and abuse; and
(5) using the Internet of Things, innovators in the United
States should commit to improving the quality of life for
future generations by developing safe, new technologies aimed
at tackling the most challenging societal issues facing the
world.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Burgess) and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
General Leave
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
insert extraneous materials into the Record on the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 847, the Internet of
things, kind of a novel concept. The Internet of things represents a
significant opportunity for economic growth and for innovation. It
represents an opportunity for job creation across virtually every
industry and every sector in the United States. The integration of the
Internet and networked sensors into physical objects and things creates
opportunities for new conveniences, creates opportunities for increased
productivity, and substantial efficiency gains throughout our economy.
According to McKinsey & Company, the Internet of things has a potential
economic impact of $4 trillion to $11 trillion by the year 2025.
{time} 1730
As the technology develops and matures, Internet connectivity is
capturing more than just objects and traditional household items such
as refrigerators, thermostats, and televisions. Today, Internet
connectivity is being integrated into industrial processes,
transportation routes, workforce practices, supply chain logistics,
city operations, and much more. These advancements have been
particularly beneficial to the manufacturing sector, where they are
enabling greater workplace productivity, factory floor efficiency, and
enhanced employee safety.
As a physician who has served people in north Texas for over 25 years
before I came to Congress, I see great potential for the Internet of
things, particularly in the healthcare space. Internet-connected
devices, machines, and applications are creating opportunities for
better quality and more efficient care. In addition to providing these
benefits, connected healthcare devices help reduce healthcare costs and
other health-related expenses that have long been a drag on our economy
and on consumers' wallets.
In recognizing the potential for the Internet of things, H. Res. 847
establishes our commitment to realizing that potential through
strategic investments that ensure that the Internet of things becomes
the engine for job creation, innovation, and economic growth that it
promises to be.
Through a national strategy, stakeholders can engage in a more
collaborative discussion and resources can be used more effectively,
more efficiently to foster the future development of the Internet of
things market.
Importantly, a national strategy will foster more consumer
confidence, more
[[Page H5299]]
consumer trust, and more consumer acceptance in the Internet of things.
This, in turn, will drive greater adoption, additional growth
opportunities, and societal benefits.
I thank Vice Chairman Lance for his leadership on this important
issue.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Let me congratulate Mr. Lance, Mr. Welch, Mr. Latta, and
Congresswoman Clarke for their work on this important legislation.
The Internet of things is an area of great innovation that deserves
attention from Congress. And fortunately, in our subcommittee, we have
done just that.
Today, people track their physical activity with wearable devices. We
have thermostats in our home that you can control from your phone from
anywhere in the world. And that is, of course, only scratching the
surface of consumer products that are right now available.
We have been examining some of the issues related to the Internet of
things in the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee. One
thing is clear to me: technology is moving at a rapid pace, and our
laws need to keep pace. I support developing a Federal strategy for how
we approach this exciting area of technology.
I would like to underscore a few key principles that must be a part
of this approach: one, data security must be protected; two, Americans
should understand and consent to the information that consumer devices
are collecting; three, these products should be developed with safety
in mind.
Agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Product
Safety Commission already work to promote data security, consumer
privacy, and safety. But Congress needs to make sure we provide these
agencies the resources and authorities necessary to address today's
issues.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote innovation in
this space and to ensure that the Internet of things further develops
in a manner that works for business as well as consumers.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Lance), the author of this legislation, vice chairman of
the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I have never been prouder of the Commerce,
Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee than I am on this issue. I
congratulate Chairman Burgess and Ranking Member Schakowsky for their
leadership on this issue, and certainly Mr. Welch for his leadership as
well.
I offer this resolution to highlight the importance of the Internet
of things, also known as the Internet of everything. The Internet of
things is the network of sensors and electronics in physical objects,
ranging from household appliances, such as thermostats to manufacturing
equipment.
The Internet of things currently connects tens of billions of devices
worldwide and assists consumers in nearly every aspect of their daily
lives, including in the field of agriculture, education, energy, health
care, public safety, security, and transportation, among many others.
The lives of nearly every American are run more efficiently thanks to
the Internet of things and the great advances in innovation here in the
21st century.
Our role in Congress should be to help make the Internet of things
thrive, to facilitate a Federal support system that empowers exciting
new ideas. Ideas such as the 5G radio by Nokia Bell Labs in Murray
Hill--Nokia has taken over Bell Labs, but, of course, Bell Labs is
fabled in the history of this country and had been so for many, many
years--the Smart Cities initiative by Qualcomm in Bridgewater--also in
the district I represent--and Verizon in Basking Ridge are helping
towns and cities maintain high standards of livability, resiliency, and
sustainability by using IOT technology to help city planners create
better qualities of life.
Of course, as Chairman Burgess has indicated, healthcare applications
in this area are very promising. They are patient centered and they are
economically beneficial. This will be beneficial not only to patients
but, of course, to the Medicare and Medicaid programs as well.
According to the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, the
Internet of things has the potential to contribute anywhere from $4
trillion to $11 trillion to the economy over the course of the next
several decades--this is an enormous increase--based upon innovation
here in the 21st century.
The resolution expresses the current and potential future benefits of
the Internet of things. I hope that it will put Congress on record in
working for its growth and success.
This is really at the heart of what we should be doing in Congress in
a bipartisan capacity: getting ahead of the curve on the future of
technology in the United States, as the United States, we all hope,
will continue to be the leader worldwide in this and other matters.
That is why the Internet of things is so important. That is why I am so
pleased to be involved with others in this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that this, of course, will pass unanimously, and
I hope that it will be a harbinger for what we should doing in Congress
in so many other areas as well.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch), a cosponsor and coauthor of
this legislation, as well as my good friend.
Mr. WELCH. I appreciate the gentlewoman's leadership and, by the way,
for her fierce leadership on consumer rights for the bill that just
passed. I thank my colleagues, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Lance, whom I really
appreciate, and, of course, the committee chair, Fred Upton, and
Ranking Member Frank Pallone.
Mr. Speaker, you would be glad to know that we work pretty hard to be
bipartisan and productive in the Energy and Commerce Committee. It
takes a good deal of effort on both sides.
This legislation is really an acknowledgement about this new
technology--the application of the Internet to activities that are
cutting across the entire economy, everything from agriculture to
medicine--and it is an acknowledgment by Congress that this is a
private sector-led, entrepreneurial-led range of opportunities that has
the potential to increase efficiency and productivity.
For instance, on farms you have GPS planting done by GPS-guided
tractors. It results in much better planting with fewer seeds. It saves
money and increases crop yields.
In medicine, as you know, telemedicine is being tremendously helpful
to folks, like in Vermont, where we are a very rural State and it is
tough for folks to make a 60-, 70-mile journey to the VA. With
telemedicine, we are able to have the doctor in that person's local
office. So it is a tremendous benefit to consumers there as well.
The other thing that is really important is that, for this to be
deployed, it is not a matter of us trying to come up with a regulation.
The innovations that are occurring are so rapid that it really would be
impossible for anybody to write a regulation that would be anything but
obstructive.
On the other hand, with Congress getting involved, there are going to
be, as we go along, some issues of privacy and some issues of
cybersecurity. When it comes to health records, all of us are going to
be certain that those records are safe and private. When it comes to
other things, like if somebody hacks into your Fitbit and finds out how
many steps you took in a day, it is not such a big deal.
But this is where Congress is going to have to play a role, because
industry is going to want to be certain that the rights of their
consumers and the users of their products are being protected and their
information is private and safe.
So we are acknowledging, as a Congress, Republicans and Democrats,
that there is this new frontier with use of the Internet where
entrepreneurs in the private sector are coming up with applications
that can improve efficiency and productivity in almost every walk of
life.
One of the ongoing challenges in our committee will be to make
certain that the broadband infrastructure that
[[Page H5300]]
is required in order to make this benefit available to folks in rural
America is built out properly.
I have been working very closely with Bob Latta of Ohio, who has a
big rural district, to try to make certain that we have a commitment in
the technology space for broadband deployment all across America. It
makes a huge difference in rural communities in our State of Vermont
and Bob Latta's district in Ohio, where, if you have somebody who has
got a good idea in a business, if they are in a small town with a
population of a couple hundred people, as long as they have high-speed
Internet, they are going to be able to take advantage of this.
So it is a pleasure, I think, for all of us to find something that we
agree on that is substantive and is important. I thank all the folks
who have had a hand in bringing us here to this moment where we are
going to have an opportunity to vote on this resolution.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I will close with this. The language of this resolution
is very clear. It is the sense of the House of Representatives: ``the
United States should develop a national strategy to encourage the
development of the Internet of things in a way that maximizes the
promise connected technologies hold to empower consumers, foster future
economic growth, and improve the Nation's collective social well-
being.''
So, with passing this resolution, we are setting the table for future
work to make sure that we encourage these developments.
I want to thank so much all the sponsors and our chairmen of the
subcommittee and full committee.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I thank Vice Chairman Lance for his leadership on this important
issue, and I urge an ``aye'' vote on the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.
Res. 847, which would express the sense of the House of Representatives
about a national strategy for the Internet of Things.
We are truly living in the internet age, and new technologies are
developing each day. High performing mobile devices and cloud
technologies that seemed so new are already commonplace in the business
world and at home.
Broadband internet access is expanding into communities across the
nation, and it is more affordable than ever. As innovators add internet
connectivity to an increasing number of ordinary objects, we need to be
thinking ahead to the next big thing.
H. Res. 847 expresses the sense that we need to encourage innovation
and development of these technologies through cooperation with industry
and consumers. It is also important to look ahead to how the Internet
of Things can be used to improve the efficiency of our government and
reduce waste and abuse.
By preparing for these technologies now, our nation will enjoy
greater benefits in the future. I urge my colleagues to support this
resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 847.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________