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Technology

We should be seeking bipartisan legislation designed to encourage entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and grow jobs here in America. In Austin we have a number of incubators and accelerators with a wide range of hi-tech startups that are creating our economic future now. I will continue to support policies that foster innovation, promote job growth, safeguard our privacy, and protect access to a free and open internet.

Keeping the Internet Open

As a longtime advocate for a free and open internet for all, I have consistently supported net neutrality, which provides a level playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs to compete, while protecting consumers from exorbitant fees for faster service. I strongly opposed then Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai's repeal of the net neutrality rules. I support President Biden’s order instructing the FCC to reinstate the net neutrality rules.

I was also one of the first members of Congress to oppose the so-called Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). For Texas, the internet continues to be an engine for economic growth. We must ensure that we balance the goal of fighting copyright infringement with protecting the freedom of expression and creativity that has contributed to the success of the internet. I remain committed to encouraging innovation and to promoting an unfettered internet for consumers and our many tech startups.

Protecting Consumer Internet Privacy

I was the only member of the Congressional delegation from Central Texas to vote against the repeal of internet privacy rules. Then-President Trump signed into law a bill repealing critical regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission that would have required internet providers to obtain consumer consent before using precise geolocation, financial information, health information, children's information and web browsing history for advertising and marketing. Our privacy should be protected, not sold. Access to intrusive information about our private lives should not be available to the highest bidder.