House Lawmakers Introduce Companion Legislation Seeking National IoT Strategy

Two House lawmakers introduced companion legislation to the Senate's Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (Digit) Act, which calls for a national strategy on developing the growing network of connected devices, sensors, and other technologies. The Senate Commerce Committee approved S-2607 Wednesday after a markup (see 1604270025). Like the Senate bill, the House's Digit Act (HR-5117) -- introduced by Reps. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., and Peter Welch, D-Vt. -- would establish a working group with representatives from businesses, federal agencies and nongovernmental stakeholders to provide guidance on potential regulatory hindrances, current and future spectrum needs, and security concerns, the lawmakers said in a joint news release Friday. “This technology is developing rapidly, and Congress should take a proactive approach to addressing potential roadblocks that may arise, rather than trying to catch up later," said Paulsen in the statement. "Removing barriers on the front end will pave the way for countless technological advances.”