[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.

[[Page S6337]]

  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.

[[Page S6338]]

       (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.

                          ____________________