WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced a full committee hearing, “The Connected World: Examining the Internet of Things.” The hearing will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at [**9:45 a.m.]. Following last week’s Open Internet hearing, this upcoming proceeding will focus on how devices – from home heating systems controlled by users online, to wearable devices that track health and activity with the help of Internet-based analytics -- will be made smarter and more dynamic through Internet technologies. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, however, are already considering possible changes to the law that could have the unintended consequence of slowing innovation.

“Standing on the cusp of technological innovations that will improve both the safety and convenience of everyday items, we shouldn’t let government needlessly slow the pace of new development,” said Thune in calling the hearing. “By engaging early in this debate, Congress can ensure that any government efforts to protect consumers are tailored for actual problems and avoid regulatory overreach."

The hearing, which was requested by a bipartisan group of Senators including Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) will include testimony from subject matter experts to be announced at a future date.

Hearing Details:

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Full Committee Hearing entitled: “The Connected World: Examining the Internet of Things.”

**9:45 a.m. in room SR-253 -- (2/10 - hearing start time changed to 9:45 a.m. from 10:00 am) 

Witnesses to be announced.

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