Moran, Blumenthal Open to Privacy Bill Independent of Working Group: Lobbyists
Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., are open to moving forward with their own privacy bill, given uncertainty about the Senate Commerce Committee’s privacy working group (see 1906270053), three lobbyists told us separately. Ranking member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.,…
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doesn’t believe the working group is the best way to reach consensus and is reportedly looking to negotiate bilaterally with Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss. That’s despite months of talks between Wicker and the original members: Moran, Blumenthal and Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. Offices for the six involved in the group’s talks, including Senate Majority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., didn’t comment. Moran and Blumenthal are prepared to move forward regardless of the group's makeup, one tech lobbyist told us. Another said this signal from Moran and Blumenthal could be a negotiating tactic to bring the entire group to the table. The two remain committed to reaching consensus on privacy, especially given the group’s work this session, a Senate Republican lobbyist said. Moran “has been a great partner, and the work has been really substantive,” Blumenthal told reporters last week. “Other Republican and Democratic members of the committee have made immense” contributions, and “I’m still very hopeful.” Asked if he will move forward with Moran independently, Blumenthal said, “I’m not going to speculate about the future.”