Sens. Kennedy and Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Protect Privacy of Consumers’ Online Data
Apr 24 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today introduced the Social Media Privacy and Consumer Rights Act of 2018. Their bill will protect consumers’ online privacy and data by improving transparency, strengthening consumers’ recourse options when a data breach occurs and ensuring companies are compliant with privacy policies that protect consumers.
Specifically, the legislation:
- Requires terms of service agreements to be in plain language,
- Ensures users have the ability to see what information about them has already been collected and shared,
- Provides users greater access to and control over their data,
- Gives consumers the right to opt out and keep their information private by disabling data tracking and collection,
- Mandates that users be notified of a privacy violation within 72 hours,
- Offers remedies for users when a privacy violation occurs,
- Requires that online platforms have a privacy program in place.
“I don’t want to hurt Facebook, and I don’t want to regulate them half to death, either. But I have a job to do, and that’s protecting the rights and privacy of our citizens,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Our bill gives consumers more control over their private data, requires user agreements to be written in plain English and requires companies to notify users of privacy violations. These are just simple steps that online platforms should have implemented in the first place.”
“Every day companies profit off of the data they’re collecting from Americans, yet leave consumers completely in the dark about how their personal information, online behavior, and private messages are being used,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “Consumers should have the right to control their personal data and that means allowing them to opt out of having their data collected and tracked and alerting them within 72 hours when a privacy violation occurs and their personal information may be compromised. The digital space can’t keep operating like the Wild West at the expense of our privacy.”
Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Questions Federal Reserve Official About Big Banks’ Discriminatory Gun Policies
Apr 19 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) questioned Randal Quarles, vice chairman of supervision for the Federal Reserve, today about discriminatory policies by Citigroup and Bank of America that threaten small business owners’ Second Amendment rights.
“Citigroup and Bank of America have decided to make gun policy for the American people. They’re denying small business owners their Second Amendment rights because of politics,” said Sen. Kennedy. “This is no different than the big banks refusing to do business with someone because they oppose abortion. We don’t need red banks or blue banks. Banks shouldn’t make decisions based on which button a small business owner pushed in the voting booth, especially when taxpayers – Republicans and Democrats alike - bailed them out after the 2008 financial crisis.”
A partial transcript of Sen. Kennedy’s questioning
Sen. Kennedy: Let’s suppose that a customer wants to exercise his First Amendment right to speak out against abortion. Do you think banks ought not to do business with him?
Vice Chairman Quarles: That wouldn’t be my personal view. As a supervisor, I’m not sure it would be my role to direct the bank on that question, but that wouldn’t be my personal view.
Sen. Kennedy: Would your answers be the same if the subject were climate change as opposed to abortion?
Vice Chairman Quarles: Completely.
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Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Discusses Important Louisiana Infrastructure Projects with High-ranking Army Official
Apr 18 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) discussed funding for Louisiana infrastructure projects with the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, R.D. James, at a meeting of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations today. In five minutes, Sen. Kennedy highlighted infrastructure projects across Louisiana that are integral to flood prevention and coastal restoration.
Click here or the photo below to watch:
Highlights:
Federal Permit Process: “Since we have been talking, we have lost a football field of land in Louisiana. You can debate the cause, but you can’t debate the fact that water is rising. We’re spending a lot of our own money to do something about it, but the federal permit process is killing us. We need a little help navigating the federal bureaucracy.”
Maritime Commerce: “Dredging is hugely important in my state. We can’t maintain maritime commerce if you can’t get the boats in. We’ve got to find the money for it.”
Comite River Diversion Canal: “When the Comite River floods, it floods houses and businesses. We want to build a canal from the Mississippi River to the Comite River to take some of the pressure off. You have some extra money now, and it’s time to do something about it.”
Fresh Water Bayou Lock: “The Fresh Water Bayou Lock is one of the top ten in the country in terms of commercial lockage. We need to make sure projects like these have the funding they deserve.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) sent the following letters to Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder urging them to reevaluate state contracts with Citigroup and Bank of America over Second Amendment infringements.
“Citigroup and Bank of America have decided to make banking a red versus blue issue by trampling on the Second Amendment rights of small business owners. I want to make sure Louisiana isn’t rewarding this behavior with state contracts,” said Sen. John Kennedy. “Rather than impose its political agenda on law-abiding citizens, Wall Street banks ought to remember how taxpayers bailed them out after the 2008 financial crisis.”
April 18, 2018
The Honorable John Bel Edwards
Governor
State of Louisiana
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Dear Governor Edwards:
I am gravely concerned about Citigroup and Bank of America’s new commercial firearms policies. This corporate overreach stands to hurt many small businesses in our state, who will lose their banking services for simply choosing to exercise their rights under the Second Amendment. In response to these politically-motivated policies, I respectfully urge you to locate and terminate any contract between these banks and the state of Louisiana.
I find it disturbing that these government-chartered banks may be profiting from taxpayer-funded contracts at the same time that they are severing ties with Louisiana businesses. During the financial crisis, Citigroup and Bank of America received taxpayer-funded bailouts worth $812.3 billion. These days, not only does Citigroup have a lucrative contract with the federal government, but it has come to my attention that Bank of America may supply purchasing card and credit card processing services to several state agencies in Louisiana. I ask that you confirm the existence of these or any other state contracts and outline your plans to cancel them. Please know that I have already petitioned the General Services Administration to cancel Citigroup’s federal contract.
For background, these banks have rolled out new firearms policies that penalize banking clients who follow state and local law but do not adhere to these new corporate standards. Citigroup’s new policy would place extralegal restrictions on the sale of guns and accessories. Bank of America issued a similar policy aimed at gun manufacturers that produce “military-style firearms”. These policies are an affront to responsible gun owners everywhere and, in my view, are downright offensive.
These corporate firearm policies affect small businesses, commercial and institutional clients, and even their credit card partners across our state. It is unclear how many entities in Louisiana will lose their banking services. I am hopeful that this disturbing trend in the banking industry can be stopped before we are left with red banks and blue banks.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request. It is offensive that New York banks are taking taxpayer dollars with one hand, and using the other to come after Louisiana’s guns.
Sincerely,
John Kennedy
United States Senator
cc: Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne
The second letter to State Treasurer John Schroder is below:
April 17, 2018
State Treasurer John Schroder
Chairman
State Bond Commission
900 N. 3rd St.
Third Floor
Baton Rouge, LA. 70802
Dear Treasurer Schroder,
I write today with grave concern about the firearm policies of Citigroup and Bank of America that stand to hurt many small businesses and consumers in Louisiana. I respectfully urge State Bond Commission members to explore if Citigroup and Bank of America currently service state contracts or have business dealings with the commission. There is no reason for these banks to profit from taxpayer-funded contracts while excluding Louisiana businesses from their banking services.
For background, Citigroup announced their new U.S. Commercial Firearms Policy, which details how it will sever services with law-abiding businesses who do not adhere to the following practices:
1. Businesses cannot sell firearms to someone who hasn’t passed a background check.
2. They must restrict the sale of firearms to individuals under 21 years of age.
3. They cannot sell bump stocks or high-capacity magazines.
This policy now applies across Citigroup and affects small businesses, commercial and institutional clients, and even their credit card partners. I have inquired about the specific number of entities in our state that will lose banking services with Citigroup.
Bank of America, the second largest bank in the country, followed suit and issued a similar policy that specifically targets gun manufacturers. They will no longer underwrite or finance businesses that manufacture “military-style firearms”. This is an affront to responsible gun owners everywhere and, in my view, is downright offensive. I am hopeful that this disturbing trend in the banking industry can be stopped before we are left with red banks and blue banks.
During the financial crisis, Citigroup and Bank of America received taxpayer-funded bailouts worth $812.3 billion. These days, Citigroup has a lucrative contract with the federal government. Please know that I have petitioned the General Services Administration to cancel this contract and will continue to fight for Louisiana citizens who choose to exercise their rights under the Second Amendment.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request. It is offensive that government-chartered New York banks are coming after Louisiana guns.
Sincerely,
John Kennedy
United States Senator
cc: Gov. John Bel Edwards
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser
Sen. John Alario
Rep. Taylor F. Barras
Secretary of State Tom Schedler
Attorney General Jeff Landry
Sen. Eric Lafleur
Sen. Jean-Paul J. Morrell
Sen. John R. Smith
Rep. Cameron Henry
Rep. Neil Abramson
Rep. James Morris
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne
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Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Issues Statement on the Passing of Former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush
Apr 17 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R. La) issued the following statement about the passing of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush:
“Barbara Bush was an inspiring and influential First Lady. Becky and I are saddened by her passing, but we know that she left a powerful legacy. Mrs. Bush helped champion countless humanitarian causes over the course of her life and touched the lives of millions around the world,” said Sen. Kennedy. “It was, however, her work with literacy that distinguished her long philanthropic career. Hopefully, her goal of universal literacy will be realized in the near future. In recognition of her dream, I will ask that books from the Library of Congress be donated to a public school in Louisiana in her honor.”
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Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Introduces Bipartisan Veterans Bill with Sens. Durbin (D-Ill.) and Duckworth (D-Ill.)
Apr 17 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced bipartisan legislation today to help expand economic opportunity for military veterans who are small business owners. The Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act would allow veterans to acquire equipment and property that the federal government no longer has a use for by adding them to the list of eligible recipients for federal surplus property. The list already includes women and minority small business owners as well as Veterans Service Organizations.
“Our nation’s heroes deserve every bit of support we can give when they return home from their service,” said Sen. Kennedy. “This bill empowers veteran entrepreneurs by increasing their access to affordable equipment and property. Helping veterans’ small businesses succeed will help create jobs and grow our economy. I will continue to work for the men and women who have devoted their lives to serve and protect our country.”
“When our veterans return home from their service, they deserve our full support as they transition back into civilian life, and that includes supporting their efforts to build and manage a small business,” said Sen. Duckworth. “This bill will help veteran-owned businesses expand their operations, reduce costs, and create jobs across Illinois and around the country. Our nation should be doing much more to help our veterans and I’ll be working with Senators Kennedy and Durbin and other members on both sides of the aisle to pass this legislation.”
“Part of honoring the sacrifice our nation’s veterans have made means supporting them when they return home,” said Sen. Durbin. “That is why I am proud to join Senators Tammy Duckworth and John Kennedy in introducing the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, which would encourage small business growth and give veterans opportunities to succeed at home.”
The General Services Administration (GSA) has overseen distribution of federal surplus property for 15 years in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASP). When there is no federal need for excess property, SASPs disburse the property to eligible recipients who otherwise may have been unable to acquire it. This legislation is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property (NASASP).
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‘For years, Chinese companies have dumped inferior … seafood products into the American marketplace, and Louisiana industries have suffered.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump today asking that he place a tariff on Chinese crawfish and shrimp imported to the United States. The text of the letter is below.
April 17, 2018
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I write today regarding your efforts to impose tariffs on certain products made in China. I respectfully request that Chinese crawfish and shrimp be considered for addition to the product list if you decide to impose tariffs. Including crawfish and shrimp would provide a much needed economic boost to the Louisiana seafood industry, which supplies the finest seafood in the world. For years, Chinese companies have dumped inferior, sometimes fraudulent, seafood products into the American marketplace, and Louisiana industries have suffered as a result.
The commercial seafood industry has a $2.4 billion annual impact on Louisiana’s economy but access to the Chinese market has been restricted by policies that discourage foreign competition. If your administration must evaluate additional products subject to subsequent tariffs, I respectfully ask that you give full consideration to the inclusion of Chinese crawfish and shrimp. Louisianans take great pride in their seafood, and this measure would reward hardworking Louisiana shrimpers, crawfish farmers, and consumers.
Again, I am grateful for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to share Louisiana’s great seafood with you and discuss this proposal’s benefits to my state. Thank you for your service to America.
Respectfully,
John Kennedy
United States Senator
cc: The Honorable Sonny Perdue
The Honorable Robert Lighthizer
Director Larry Kudlow
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) issued the following statement today on the strike against Syria:
“The of chemical weapons is immoral and a violation of international law. The United States told Syria not to do it anymore and Syria did, so we responded on behalf of all civilized nations. I congratulate President Trump, and I thank our allies the United Kingdom and France for joining with us. Our strikes were restrained and strategic; they targeted only Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons and its manufacturing facilities. The strikes targeted neither Russia nor Iran. I hope Russia and Iran will change their minds and join with the United States and the world in condemning Assad’s butchery. The only way for America to remain safe in a dangerous world is to remain strong and use our military might only when we have to. At the same time, we have to act in a way such that our friends will trust us and our enemies will respect us. I believe President Trump, Prime Minister May and President Macron have done that.”
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Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Announces More Than $4 Million In FEMA Grants For East Baton Rouge School Board
Apr 13 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R. La) announced more than $4 million in FEMA grants today to help the East Baton Rouge School Board recover from the devastating floods in 2016. Prescott Middle School is receiving $2.18 million to permanently repair seven buildings that were damaged in the 2016 floods. Glen Oaks High School is getting $1.93 million to repair and renovate four buildings that were affected by the flood.
“These funds will go a long way toward rebuilding and updating our schools after the 2016 flooding,” said Sen. Kennedy. “The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board shouldn’t have to shoulder these costs. They need to invest in educating students and preparing them for bright futures.”
“We appreciate the ongoing support and advocacy of Sen. John Kennedy and his role in securing FEMA funding to complete post-flood repairs at Prescott Middle and Glen Oaks High Schools,” said East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Supt. Warren Drake. “Sen. Kennedy’s efforts have been vital in assuring the return of all students to a safe and restored learning environment.”
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Sens. Kennedy and Klobuchar to Introduce Legislation to Protect Privacy of Consumers’ Online Data
Apr 12 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced today that they will introduce legislation to protect the privacy of consumers’ online data by improving transparency, strengthening consumers’ recourse options when a breach of data occurs, and ensuring companies are compliant with privacy policies that protect consumers. Specifically, the proposed legislation will:
- Give consumers the right to opt out and keep their information private by disabling data tracking and collection,
- Provide users greater access to and control over their data,
- Require terms of service agreements to be in plain language,
- Ensure users have the ability to see what information about them has already been collected and shared,
- Mandate that users be notified of a breach of their information within 72 hours,
- Offer remedies for users when a breach occurs,
- Require that online platforms have a privacy program in place.
Social media and other online platforms routinely capture users’ behavior and personal information, which is then used to help advertisers or other third parties target those users. Senators Kennedy and Klobuchar’s legislation would protect the privacy of consumers’ online data.
“The data breach at Facebook showed the world that the digital promised land is not all milk and honey. We’ve discovered some impurities in the punch bowl,” Senator Kennedy said. “I don’t want to regulate Facebook half to death, but there are things that need to be changed. Our bill will help protect Americans’ online data fingerprint.”
“Social media and other online companies are profiting off the data of Americans—their online behavior, personal messages, contact and personal information, and more—all while leaving consumers in the dark,” Senator Klobuchar said. “Consumers have the right to know if their personal information is being sold and they have the right to easily see what data has already been sold or distributed. And most importantly, consumers should have the right to keep their information private, be alerted when a data breach has occurred, and be informed of the remedies available to them when their personal information is compromised. The digital space can’t keep operating like the Wild Wild West at the expense of our privacy.”
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