Upton, Pallone, Goodlatte, Conyers Announce Bipartisan Encryption Working Group

Press Release

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), and Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI) today announced the creation of an encryption working group to examine the complicated legal and policy issues surrounding encryption. The group will identify potential solutions that preserve the benefits of strong encryption -- including the protection of Americans' privacy and information security - while also ensuring law enforcement has the tools needed to keep us safe and prevent crime. The House Judiciary Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee have primary jurisdiction over encryption and the issues it presents for citizens, law enforcement, and American technology companies

Members of the working group are: Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA).

Chairmen Upton and Goodlatte and Ranking Members Pallone and Conyers will serve as ex officio members of the working group and released the following joint statement:

"The widespread use of strong encryption is important to protecting Americans' privacy. We also recognize that challenges remain for law enforcement agencies seeking to disrupt criminals and terrorists from doing us harm. The bipartisan encryption working group will examine the issues surrounding this ongoing national debate. Members will work toward finding solutions that allow law enforcement agencies to fulfill their responsibility without harming the competitiveness of the U.S. technology sector or the privacy and security protections that encryption provides for U.S. citizens. We look forward to continuing our work on this important issue facing our country."