WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the US SAFE WEB Extension Act (H.R. 4779), legislation introduced by Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), passed the Senate by a voice vote and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law. This legislation passed the House by voice vote on December 16, 2019. 

“Bad actors from around the world seek to target and exploit Americans online. In order to keep people in Eastern Washington safe from those who wish to do them hard, we need to make sure the Federal Trade Commission has the resources they need to step in, address international threats online, and protect Americans’ sensitive or financial information,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Especially during a pandemic when people are at greater risk of scams and deception, I’m happy to get this legislation through the Senate and have President Trump sign it into law to keep Americans and their information safe.” 

“I’m glad to see the Senate pass the bipartisan US SAFEWEB Act and that it will now advance to the President’s desk. Those seeking to deceive and defraud American families often use international borders as a shield against law enforcement. We should be able to work with our global partners to address malicious activity. This reauthorization ensures the Federal Trade Commission has the resources and authority to cooperate with foreign law enforcement partners,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

NOTE: The Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006 (U.S. SAFE WEB Act) gives the FTC critical powers to enhance cross-border cooperation on consumer protection investigations and fraud actions, as well as to support cross-border data transfer mechanisms like the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield.

Congress enacted the U.S. SAFE WEB Act in 2006 and reauthorized it in 2012 for the period through September 2020. Cathy’s U.S. SAFE WEB Extension Act would extend the program through 2027.

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