July 21, 2022 | Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo raising questions about the revolving door between the Department of Commerce and Big Tech companies, and its potential impact on global digital trade rules. In the letter, the lawmakers express concerns about how key Commerce officials who previously worked for Big Tech companies now work at the Department and may have the ability to shape digital trade policies. The lawmakers also request information about the safeguards the Department has in place to prevent corruption and ensure that corporate interests do not undermine the digital rights of global consumers, workers, and small businesses. The lawmakers’ questions come as Commerce is currently engaged in digital trade negotiations in the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
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