FTC CHAIRMAN MAJORAS ALSO TESTIFYING

Washington, Mar 11, 2005 - "We live in an age of information where our personal data are essential as identification and to conduct business," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "Because this information is so important, it is also extremely valuable. Recent data security breaches at data brokers, financial institutions, and retailers have raised questions about the sufficiency of current laws to protect consumer information from identity theft. Today, there is no single federal law governing all uses or disclosures of consumer information. Through this hearing, we will explore policy issues that involve security and compliance in safeguarding personal information, and explore the need for federal legislation."

The subcommittee is holding a hearing entitled, "Protecting Consumer's Data: Policy Issues Raised by ID Theft," on Tuesday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. in 2123 RHOB. The following witnesses are testifying:

* Honorable Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, Federal Trade Commission.

* Mr. Derek Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ChoicePoint Inc.

* Mr. Kurt Sanford, Chief Executive Officer, Lexis Nexis.

* Mr. Joseph Ansanelli, Chief Executive Officer, Vontu, Inc.

* Mr. Marc Rotenberg, Executive Director, Electronic Privacy Information Center.