Congressman Kinzinger Reintroduces Legislation to Protect American Privacy and Intellectual Property

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) has reintroduced two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Americans' privacy and intellectual property from malicious actors, particularly those from China. The bills, H.R. 4000 and H.R. 4001, demand greater transparency about products originating from China, Russia, and elsewhere. Congressman Kinzinger, a member of the House China Task Force, has been vocal about the need to innovate and manufacture things domestically, especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation seeks to label apps owned by the Communist Party of China or non-state-owned entities in China, and require online retail marketplaces to disclose country of origin information from vendors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Kinzinger reintroduced H.R. 4000, the Internet Application Integrity and Disclosure Act, which requires websites or persons selling apps owned by the CCP or non-state-owned entities in China to be labeled by the Federal Trade Commission.
  • The legislation aims to protect Americans' privacy and intellectual property from malicious actors, particularly those from China.
  • Congressman Kinzinger introduced H.R. 4001, the Online Retailer Product Origin Disclosure Act, which requires online retailers to disclose country of origin information from vendors and label products originating from China, Russia, and elsewhere.
  • The bills are part of Congressman Kinzinger's efforts to strengthen American manufacturing and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Congressman Kinzinger has been a vocal advocate for the need to innovate and manufacture things domestically, including in the context of the pandemic.
  • The legislation seeks to provide transparency to consumers, allowing them to make informed buying decisions and avoid counterfeit goods.
  • Congressman Kinzinger's statement emphasizes the need for strong American leadership in addressing the national security threats posed by China's involvement in American supply chains.

Statistics:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater supply chain resilience and domestic manufacturing capacity.
  • Congressman Kinzinger has been a member of the House China Task Force since 2019.
  • China's involvement in American supply chains has grown significantly since the pandemic began, posing a national security threat.
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will be responsible for enforcing the labeling requirements under H.R. 4000.
  • Online retailers will be required to disclose country of origin information from vendors and label products under H.R. 4001.

Sources:

  • Press Release by Congressman Adam Kinzinger, Office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), "Kinzinger Reintroduces Bills to Protect Americans' Privacy and Intellectual Property", January 18, 2022.
  • Congressman Adam Kinzinger, "Statement on Reintroducing H.R. 4000 and H.R. 4001", January 18, 2022.