A group of senators has introduced a resolution calling for prioritizing and accelerating the development and deployment of the Internet of Things, which means broadband connectivity of a host of devices and services.
Sponsoring the resolution were Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
"The United States is well positioned to lead the world in innovation policy," Fischer said in a statement. "Our Internet of Things resolution would commit our nation to a national strategy incentivizing the use of new technologies to maximize consumer opportunity and to facilitate economic growth."
"This forward-thinking initiative would call for a modern framework that encourages innovators. By doing so, we can usher in new ideas and solve problems in the years to come.”
The resolution has no force of law, but is instead the "sense of the Senate" on what should happen, though of course only if it passed.
The resolution follows a Feb. 11 IoT hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee (they are all members).
“We are living in a fully connected world powered by the Internet of Things, and as we continue to grow the next wave of connected devices it’s important our policymakers share a vision that supports this evolving ecosystem," said Consumer Electronics Association president Gary Shapiro. “We thank these senators for their commitment and bipartisan leadership to keep the U.S. a leader in IoT innovation. As Congress works to protect and improve consumers’ privacy and security, CEA and others are working to ensure devices meet consumers’ expectations."
Marjorie Dickman, Intel's global director of Internet of Things policy, said: "Intel commends Senators Schatz (D-HI), Fischer (R-NE), Ayotte (R-NH) and Booker (D-NJ) for their leadership in submitting a resolution calling for a national vision to promote economic growth, thus ensuring that US innovation will remain at the forefront of the IoT economy. The Internet of Things is generating unprecedented opportunities for the US public and private sectors to develop new services, enhance productivity and efficiency, improve real-time decision making, solve critical societal problems, and develop new and innovative user experiences."
