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WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) delivered the following remarks on the House floor today in support of H.R. 964, the Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act-the SPY ACT. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support by a vote of 368 to 48.
“Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 964, the Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act – the SPY Act. It is a strong consumer protection bill, of which I am an original cosponsor, that will help us in the fight against identity theft.
With today’s vote, the House will have passed the SPY Act three times. Let’s hope that the third time’s a charm – and that today’s passage means this bill will finally get signed into law.
The SPY Act is important because it protects consumers from spyware, the unwanted and sneaky software that is so powerful that it can steal information from, monitor and control others’ computers – without the computer’s owner even knowing the software has been installed.
The SPY Act would put the control of computers back in the hands of consumers – where it belongs. It prohibits indefensible uses of the software, like phishing and logging every keystroke entered, and requires that consumers be notified and opt-in before software is installed on their computers. Furthermore, the SPY Act gives the Federal Trade Commission the additional power it needs to pursue deceptive uses of the software.
I believe that this bill will go a long way toward protecting consumers from having their valuable and personal information stolen by purveyors of spyware. I am glad that I was part of the bipartisan process that brought this bill to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to support its passage. Thank you."
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