The SECURE Data Act would establish a single national framework to replace the current patchwork of state privacy laws, strengthen consumer protections, and preserve the role of market research, insights, and analytics in informed decision-making.
“The time has come for a U.S. privacy law grounded in clear transparency standards and strong enforcement,” said Howard Fienberg, Senior VP Advocacy at the Insights Association. “These principles have already been proven in states across the political spectrum and can hold data-driven organizations accountable while consistently protecting consumers nationwide.”
The SECURE Data Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 22, 2026.
Fienberg added, “IA appreciates this effort from the House Privacy Working Group to protect audience measurement and ensure that market research can continue to support innovation and competition. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this important legislation.”
The Insights Association will release a detailed analysis of the legislation for members in the coming days.
UPDATE: IA also joined a statement signed by 57 business associations:
“We welcome the introduction of comprehensive legislation that would establish a single national privacy standard, building upon state privacy frameworks with proven, strong consumer protections developed on a bipartisan basis. A clear nationwide standard would strengthen trust, help individuals exercise meaningful control over their information, and give businesses the certainty needed to innovate, protect data, and drive growth. The bill would end a confusing patchwork that harms consumers and small businesses."
"The business community thanks Chairman Guthrie, Vice Chairman Joyce, and the members of the data privacy working group for their leadership on this critical issue. We will continue collaborating with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and the Administration as this essential legislation moves forward.”
About the Author
Based in Washington, DC, Howard is the Insights Association's lobbyist for the marketing research and data analytics industry, focusing primarily on consumer privacy and data security, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), tort reform, and the funding and integrity of the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS).
Howard has more than two decades of public policy experience. Before the Insights Association, he worked in Congress as senior legislative staffer for then-Representatives Christopher Cox (CA-48) and Cliff Stearns (FL-06). He also served more than four years with a science policy think tank, working to improve the understanding of scientific and social research and methodology among journalists and policymakers.
Howard is also co-director of The Census Project, a 900+ member coalition in support of a fair and accurate Census and ACS.
He has also served previously on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and and the Association of Government Relations Professionals.
Howard has an MA International Relations from the University of Essex in England and a BA Honors Political Studies from Trent University in Canada, and has obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Professional Lobbying Certificate (PLC) and the Public Policy Certificate (PPC).
When not running advocacy for the Insights Association, Howard enjoys hockey, NFL football, sci-fi and horror movies, playing with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.