Sen Thune eyes 2019 for privacy legislation push

As the Senate Commerce Committee prepares to bring in tech and telecom officials for a hearing on consumer privacy, Chairman John Thune (R-SD) has suggested Congress should legislate. That would be welcome to many tech and telecom heavyweights wary of a patchwork of state privacy rules (like those recently passed in California) that could be more onerous to deal with than a single federal framework. Chairman Thune said, “We’re trying to take some of the best ideas out there” and “incorporate them into a legislative package.” But Chairman Thune can read a calendar. “We probably don’t have enough time in the clock this year to do anything major on privacy,” he said. “I think there are some things that could happen; maybe it doesn’t happen this year, but we’re at least setting the stage.” He said the upcoming hearing is important for “building that record” to try “to develop a plan.” Thune’s first-leg-of-a-marathon approach may clash with the sense of urgency some of his Senate colleagues have brought to the privacy conversation. But his remarks matter because the players will be different in 2019. If Chairman Thune rises in the ranks and becomes GOP whip after the midterms, for instance, he will no longer lead the Commerce Committee. Democrats could regain control of at least one chamber. And the House Telecom Subcommittee will have different leadership no matter what. Current-Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) isn’t seeking reelection to her House seat as she runs for Senate, so there will be a different lawmaker holding that gavel even if Republicans keep the House. All these factors point to a privacy playbook in flux next year.