• On August 1, 2012, Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., Chair of the House Communications Subcommittee, and Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Cal., Chair of the House Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee, spoke on the House floor to urge members to support H. Con. Res. 127, which states that the Department of Commerce “should continue working to implement the position of the United States on Internet governance that clearly articulates the consistent and unequivocal policy of the United States to promote a global Internet free from government control.” To watch their statements, click here. To read H. Cons. R. 127, click here.
  • Also on August 1, the House passed H.R. 6063, the Child Protection Act of 2012, by voice vote. The bill increases sentences to 20 years for offenses involving children under the age of 12, and extends the authorization of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces for five years. It also provides increased protection for child witnesses and victims. Of the bill, House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Tex., stated “The Child Protection Act ensures that paperwork does not stand in the way of the apprehension of dangerous criminals.” The press release regarding H.R. 6063 is available here. The text of H.R. 6063 is available here.