Round 1 goes to the lobbyists

In March, the US Senate unanimously approved the most sweeping and direct congressional statement on the evolving technology known as the Internet of Things. The proposal -- formally, S.Res. 110 -- lauded the emerging industry of Web-enabled crock pots, smart thermostats and fitness tracking wristbands. It called for a “strategy for the Internet of Things to promote economic growth and consumer empowerment” and promised to help Silicon Valley “continue to produce breakthrough technologies and lead the world in innovation.” The measure was entirely symbolic. And if it signified anything, it’s the impressive early political sophistication of an emerging industry.

At a time when much of Washington -- and definitely much of Congress -- still isn’t quite familiar with what the “Internet of Things” is, the manufacturers and tech firms hoping to dominate the market have made a concerted push, hiring lobbyists and trying to get legislators to think more about encouragement than regulation.