Swalwell Co-sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Create National Commission on Digital Security

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) is an original co-sponsor of a new bipartisan, bicameral bill to create the “National Commission on Security and Technology Challenges” – a digital security panel uniting stakeholders to keep our nation safe while keeping our personal data secure.

Introduced Monday by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), the bill would assemble leading experts from technology companies, the privacy community, law enforcement and other sectors to probe the crossroads of technology and security and report back to Congress on implications for national security, public safety, data security, privacy, innovation and American competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“My highest priority is the safety of those I represent. Encryption and other security digital tools keep our data safe from thieves and hackers, making the web a safer place for law-abiding Americans – but they also can let criminals and terrorists evade detection,” said Swalwell, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. “Technology companies and law enforcement both have raised serious public policy questions, and it’s time to work together.”

“The challenge of protecting national security and digital security simultaneously is complex. The ongoing Apple vs. FBI dispute is only a symptom of a much larger problem,” McCaul said. “But we are almost certain to see this scenario repeated unless the larger issue is addressed. Law enforcement clearly needs the ability to gain lawful access to information that can stop future attacks. I am proud to partner with Rep. Swalwell on this initiative and I urge our colleagues in both chambers to quickly establish this Commission so we may effectively address this challenge for law enforcement now and in the future.”