Lawmakers see momentum for legislation on data breaches

House lawmakers in both parties voiced optimism that Congress could pass legislation requiring companies to notify customers about breaches of consumer data.

Efforts to pass such a bill have repeatedly stumbled, but Democrats and Republicans alike said the tide may be turning with voters increasingly focused on cybersecurity. “I do sincerely believe that is an achievable goal,” said House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Chairman Michael Burgess (R-TX). “It’s clear most of us agree on preemption,” he added. House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) said lawmakers must "get it right" on a data breach bill "before we try to tackle some of the other concerns."