[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 173 (Thursday, October 31, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6336-S6338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Ms. COLLINS:
S. 2762. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
increase the limitation on the amount individuals filing jointly can
deduct for certain State and local taxes; to the Committee on Finance.
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise to introduce a bill to ensure that
the treatment of the State and Local Property Tax deduction, also known
as the ``SALT deduction,'' does not unfairly penalize married
taxpayers. The SALT Deduction Fairness Act would eliminate the marriage
penalty imposed by the current $10,000 cap on SALT by doubling this
amount for married filers.
The SALT deduction has been in the tax code since 1913 when the
income tax was first established and is intended to prevent double
taxation. The original Senate tax reform bill in 2017 would have
eliminated the deduction altogether. During the consideration of the
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, I fought to keep the SALT deduction in the
Federal tax code because of the incredible tax burden a complete
elimination of this deduction would have imposed on American taxpayers,
many of whom pay high taxes on everything from their incomes to their
vehicles.
My amendment, which was adopted by the Senate, retained the SALT
deduction for up to $10,000 in State and local taxes such as State
income taxes, local property taxes, and vehicle excise taxes. This was
especially important to families living in high-tax states like Maine,
which not only has one of our Nation's highest tax burdens, but also a
relatively low per household income--approximately $6,300 below the U.S
average. Maintaining the deduction provided important tax relief for
those hard-working Mainers who continued to itemize.
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But a basic unfairness still exists in the tax code that penalizes
married couples. Currently, individual taxpayers can deduct up to
$10,000 in State and local taxes. If two people marry, however, the
deduction remains at $10,000. As a result, a couple could be
financially better off not getting married when it comes to the current
SALT deduction.
This legislation very simply would remove the marriage penalty by
doubling the SALT deduction from $10,000 to $20,000 for joint filers.
This straightforward change would remove a bias against marriage from
the tax code. And, most important, it would help make the dream of home
ownership a reality for married couples.
The National Association of Realtors recently wrote to me about the
importance of eliminating this marriage penalty, stating,
``Homeownership has long been a vital part of the American Dream.
Research shows that an overwhelming majority of current renters aspire
to own a home, and we know that our Nation's faith in homeownership has
persisted through the Great Recession. For well over a century, our tax
system has helped American families in reaching this Dream.''
Mr. President, we should not unfairly penalize American taxpayers for
being married. This common sense legislation will fix this undue burden
who are penalized for their filing status.
______
By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Moran, Mrs.
Blackburn, and Mr. Warner):
S. 2763. A bill to require that internet platforms give users the
option to engage with a platform without being manipulated by
algorithms driver by user-specific data; to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 2763
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Filter Bubble Transparency
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Algorithmic ranking system.--The term ``algorithmic
ranking system'' means a computational process, including one
derived from algorithmic decision-making, machine learning,
statistical analysis, or other data processing or artificial
intelligence techniques, used to determine the order or
manner that a set of information is provided to a user on a
covered internet platform, including the ranking of search
results, the provision of content recommendations, the
display of social media posts, or any other method of
automated content selection.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Trade Commission.
(3) Connected device.--The term ``connected device'' means
a physical object that--
(A) is capable of connecting to the internet, either
directly or indirectly through a network, to communicate
information at the direction of an individual; and
(B) has computer processing capabilities for collecting,
sending, receiving, or analyzing data.
(4) Covered internet platform.--
(A) In general.--The term ``covered internet platform''
means any public-facing website, internet application, or
mobile application, including a social network site, video
sharing service, search engine, or content aggregation
service.
(B) Exclusions.--Such term shall not include a platform
that--
(i) is wholly owned, controlled, and operated by a person
that--
(I) for the most recent 6-month period, did not employ more
than 500 employees;
(II) for the most recent 3-year period, averaged less than
$50,000,000 in annual gross receipts; and
(III) collects or processes on an annual basis the personal
data of less than 1,000,000 individuals; or
(ii) is operated for the sole purpose of conducting
research that is not made for profit either directly or
indirectly.
(5) Input-transparent algorithm.--
(A) In general.--The term ``input-transparent algorithm''
means an algorithmic ranking system that does not use the
user-specific data of a user to determine the order or manner
that information is furnished to such user on a covered
internet platform, unless the user-specific data is expressly
provided to the platform by the user for such purpose.
(B) Inclusion of age-appropriate content filters.--Such
term shall include an algorithmic ranking system that uses
user-specific data to determine whether a user is old enough
to access age-restricted content on a covered internet
platform, provided that the system otherwise meets the
requirements of subparagraph (A).
(C) Data provided for express purpose of interaction with
platform.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), user-specific
data that is provided by a user for the express purpose of
determining the order or manner that information is furnished
to a user on a covered internet platform--
(i) shall include user-supplied search terms, filters,
speech patterns (if provided for the purpose of enabling the
platform to accept spoken input or selecting the language in
which the user interacts with the platform), saved
preferences, and the user's current geographical location;
(ii) shall include data supplied to the platform by the
user that expresses the user's desire that information be
furnished to them, such as the social media profiles the user
follows, the video channels the user subscribes to, or other
sources of content on the platform the user follows;
(iii) shall not include the history of the user's connected
device, including the user's history of web searches and
browsing, geographical locations, physical activity, device
interaction, and financial transactions; and
(iv) shall not include inferences about the user or the
user's connected device, without regard to whether such
inferences are based on data described in clause (i).
(6) Opaque algorithm.--
(A) In general.--The term ``opaque algorithm'' means an
algorithmic ranking system that determines the order or
manner that information is furnished to a user on a covered
internet platform based, in whole or part, on user-specific
data that was not expressly provided by the user to the
platform for such purpose.
(B) Exception for age-appropriate content filters.--Such
term shall not include an algorithmic ranking system used by
a covered internet platform if--
(i) the only user-specific data (including inferences about
the user) that the system uses is information relating to the
age of the user; and
(ii) such information is only used to restrict a user's
access to content on the basis that the individual is not old
enough to access such content.
(7) Search syndication contract; upstream provider;
downstream provider.--
(A) Search syndication contract.--The term ``search
syndication contract'' means a contract or subcontract for
the sale, license, or other right to access an index of web
pages on the internet for the purpose of operating an
internet search engine.
(B) Upstream provider.--The term ``upstream provider''
means, with respect to a search syndication contract, the
person that grants access to an index of web pages on the
internet to a downstream provider under the contract.
(C) Downstream provider.--The term ``downstream provider''
means, with respect to a search syndication contract, the
person that receives access to an index of web pages on the
internet from an upstream provider under such contract.
(8) User-specific data.--The term ``user-specific data''
means information relating to an individual or a specific
connected device that would not necessarily be true of every
individual or device.
SEC. 3. REQUIREMENT TO ALLOW USERS TO SEE UNMANIPULATED
CONTENT ON INTERNET PLATFORMS.
(a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, it shall be unlawful--
(1) for any person to operate a covered internet platform
that uses an opaque algorithm unless the person complies with
the requirements of subsection (b); or
(2) for any upstream provider to grant access to an index
of web pages on the internet under a search syndication
contract that does not comply with the requirements of
subsection (c).
(b) Opaque Algorithm Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The requirements of this subsection with
respect to a person that operates a covered internet platform
that uses an opaque algorithm are the following:
(A) The person provides notice to users of the platform
that the platform uses an opaque algorithm that makes
inferences based on user-specific data to select the content
the user sees. Such notice shall be presented in a clear,
conspicuous manner on the platform whenever the user
interacts with an opaque algorithm for the first time, and
may be a one-time notice that can be dismissed by the user.
(B) The person makes available a version of the platform
that uses an input-transparent algorithm and enables users to
easily switch between the version of the platform that uses
an opaque algorithm and the version of the platform that uses
the input-transparent algorithm by selecting a prominently
placed icon, which shall be displayed wherever the user
interacts with an opaque algorithm.
(2) Nonapplication to certain downstream providers.--
Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to an internet
search engine if--
(A) the search engine is operated by a downstream provider
with fewer than 1,000 employees; and
(B) the search engine uses an index of web pages on the
internet to which such provider received access under a
search syndication contract.
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(c) Search Syndication Contract Requirement.--The
requirements of this subsection with respect to a search
syndication contract are that--
(1) as part of the contract, the upstream provider makes
available to the downstream provider the same input-
transparent algorithm used by the upstream provider for
purposes of complying with subsection (b)(1)(B); and
(2) the upstream provider does not impose any additional
costs, degraded quality, reduced speed, or other constraint
on the functioning of such algorithm when used by the
downstream provider to operate an internet search engine
relative to the performance of such algorithm when used by
the upstream provider to operate an internet search engine.
SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT BY FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.
(a) Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices.--A violation of
this Act by an operator of a covered internet platform shall
be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or
deceptive act or practice prescribed under section
18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C.
57a(a)(1)(B)).
(b) Powers of Commission.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the
Federal Trade Commission shall enforce this Act in the same
manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction,
powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and
provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41
et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act.
(2) Privileges and immunities.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3), any person who violates this Act shall be
subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and
immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15
U.S.C. 41 et seq.).
(3) Common carriers and nonprofit organizations.--
Notwithstanding section 4, 5(a)(2), or 6 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 44, 45(a)(2), 46) or any
jurisdictional limitation of the Commission, the Commission
shall also enforce this Act, in the same manner provided in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph, with respect to--
(A) common carriers subject to the Communications Act of
1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) and Acts amendatory thereof and
supplementary thereto; and
(B) organizations not organized to carry on business for
their own profit or that of their members.
(4) Authority preserved.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to limit the authority of the Commission under any
other provision of law.
______
By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. Cardin):
S. 2766. A bill to support and expand civic engagement and political
leadership of adolescent girls around the world, and other purposes; to
the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I am pleased to be joined by my
friend and colleague from Maryland, Senator Cardin, to introduce the
Girls Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy in Development, or Girls
LEAD, Act. Our legislation would support and expand civic engagement
and political leadership of adolescent girls around the world.
Despite comprising over 50 percent of the world's population, women
are underrepresented at all levels of public sector decision-making.
Recently, Congress has taken steps to combat this issue with new laws,
including the Women, Peace, and Security Act and the Women's
Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act. The Girls LEAD Act will
complement these efforts by specifically addressing the civic
involvement and leadership of adolescent girls, an area where there is
currently a gap in U.S. foreign assistance programing. The United
States can help foster a pipeline of adolescent girls who will aspire
to assume leadership roles in their communities.
Adolescence is a pivotal time in a girl's life that brings about
significant physical, emotional, and social changes. Yet, according to
UNESCO, 132 million adolescent girls between the age of 6 and 17 are
not enrolled in school. As reported by UNICEF, more than 150 million
girls will marry as children by 2030. It is vitally important that
girls and young women in childhood are empowered, and that we invest in
their leadership potential early so that they can develop pathways to
positions of political leadership and civic engagement.
The Girls LEAD Act would combat these terrible statistics by making
it the policy of the United States to promote and ensure that all
adolescents are able to fully participate in society, and are
specifically able to exercise their civil and political rights in their
communities and countries. We know that women's political participation
results in tangible change for democracies and the United States must
continue to be a leader in this arena.
Specifically, our legislation would direct the Department of State
and the U.S. Agency for International Development to implement a
strategy that strengthens adolescent girls' participation in democracy
and governance. This strategy would include U.S. foreign assistance
programs that focus on increasing adolescent girls' civic and political
knowledge, advocacy, leadership, and research skills, while addressing
the common barriers that can preclude their participation. The bill
would require that this strategy be developed in consultation with
civil society, including the participation of adolescent girls.
As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for years
I have pushed to set aside resources in the annual State Department
funding bill for women's leadership and political participation
programs, and I have seen first-hand the positive effects of greater
political involvement on the part of women here in the United States. I
believe our Nation can and must continue its leadership role in
empowering women and girls worldwide, and turning more attention to the
civic engagement of adolescent girls will help advance that mission.
I urge my colleagues to join me and Senator Cardin in supporting the
Girls LEAD Act, which will help to improve and create a more secure
world now and in the future.
____________________