NCISS - Legislative Committee Update
H.R 3306, the "Social Security Privacy
and Identity Theft Prevention Act"
Colleagues,
Here we go...again! Representative John Tanner (D-TN), Chairman
of the Social Security Subcommittee) has introduced H.R 3306,
the "Social Security Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act.
According to the Congressman's statement, it is identical to the
bill that passed the Ways and Means Committee last Congress, HR
3046. This bill severely limits the
sale and use of Social Security numbers and does not have
appropriate exceptions for the lawful use of SSN's.
NCISS strongly opposed the bill in the last Congress, and it
died without a vote in the whole House.
This legislation is not scheduled to be considered in the near
future. The House of Representatives is scheduled to go on its
summer recess at the end of next week. In addition, the Ways and
Means Committee, which would consider the bill, is busy with
health care legislation and will not be able to schedule any
activity on this bill until at least September. An additional
factor is the continuing jurisdictional dispute among House
Committees which also contributed to stopping H.R. 3046 last
year.
Larry Sabbath informed me this afternoon that he spoke to the
committee staff today and was assured that investigators will
have an opportunity to be heard when the bill is considered. In
the meantime, the NCISS Legislative Committee will prepare a
draft letter which can be used over the Congressional recess to
advise Congress of our concern with the bill. Our September 24
"Hit the Hill" effort will be very timely in advising Congress
of how investigators use SSN's in lawful investigations.
Another bill was introduced this week of concern to NCISS.
Senator Pat Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary
Committee, introduced S-1490, the "Personal Data Privacy &
Security Act". The bill is designed to prevent data breaches and
enhance privacy. Although it does not include a provision
limiting the use of SSN's,the Legislative Committee is concerned
that such a provision could be added by amendment. Chairman
Leahy did say it might come up prior to the summer recess. The
NCISS Legislative Committee is reviewing the bill for other
possible concerns and we will continue to keep you updated.
**********
Don't forget to attend the NCISS Hit the Hill Campaign in
Washington, DC September 24th. You can get detailed information
on this and other events by going to
www.nciss.org.
Remember, your donations are critical to our mission and
continued success. Contributions in any amount are greatly
appreciated and may be sent to:
NCISS Legislative Fund
7501 Sparrows Point Blvd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21219
Thank you for your continued loyalty and support.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Mesis
NCISS Legislative Chairman
jim@nciss.org
(Permission granted to repost to other email lists)
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