# What This Resolution Actually Says

This is a resolution expressing what the House of Representatives believes the United States should do about international digital trade rules. Think of it as Congress saying "we think the government should do this"—it's not a law that immediately changes anything, but rather a statement of what Congress wants to happen. The resolution calls on the U.S. government to negotiate new international agreements about how digital trade and the internet should work globally, with an emphasis on protecting American values like free speech, privacy, and worker rights.

Right now, different countries have different rules about the internet and digital commerce, creating a messy patchwork. Some countries restrict how data moves across borders, force companies to share technology secrets, or censor the internet. The resolution points out that China is pushing its own model for digital governance that includes surveillance and censorship, and the U.S. is losing influence in setting global standards. Congress wants America to lead negotiations with friendly countries to establish common rules that protect democracy, human rights, privacy, and free markets instead of letting authoritarian countries define how the digital world works.

The resolution emphasizes that any new digital trade rules should benefit American workers, small businesses, and consumers—not just big tech companies. It wants the government to make sure developing countries can participate fairly and to listen to workers, civil society groups, and human rights advocates during negotiations. It also requires the U.S. Trade Representative to keep Congress informed about what's being negotiated before making any deals. Essentially, Congress is saying: "We need global digital rules that reflect our values, protect our workers and businesses, and counter countries that use the internet for censorship and control."

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should negotiate strong, inclusive, and forward-looking rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy in order to ensure American values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of digital governance.

DelBene, Suzan K.

 <p>This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should negotiate and enforce rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy.</p>