Crypto bill SAFE out of committee (CNET)

   Crypto bill SAFE out of committee
   By Dan Goodin
   September 24, 1997, 6:25 p.m. PT
   
   Fierce lobbying on behalf of the high-tech industry appears to have
   paid off in its holy war over encryption, as a key committee in the
   House of Representatives approved a closely watched bill that would
   loosen the government's control on the export of encryption products.
   
   Industry lobbyists had feared the House's Commerce Committee might try
   to sabotage the bill, known as the Security and Freedom through
   Encryption Act, by approving a substitute amendment. Offered by Reps.
   Michael Oxley (R-Ohio) and Thomas Manton (D-New York), the amendment
   would have radically overhauled SAFE by mandating domestic controls on
   the technology. Just last week, lobbyists and staffers said the
   amendment was almost sure to be approved by the committee.
   
   But the Commerce Committee rejected it and approved SAFE 35 to 16,
   according to the Center for Democracy and Technology, which opposes
   government control of encryption. An attorney with the group said the
   vote was a real victory for those fighting for privacy on the
   Internet.
   
   "We dodged a bullet today," said Alan Davidson, staff counsel at the
   CDT, adding that stiff opposition to the amendment over the last
   several days was responsible for the Commerce Committee's reversal.
   That opposition included a letter written Monday by 63 industry and
   trade organization representatives, a separate letter written the
   following day in which some 30 law professors argued the measure
   likely was unconstitutional, and a third protest today from scientists
   arguing that unfettered encryption was essential.
   
   "The calls from the constituents on the Internet really made a big
   difference," Davidson added. "We've heard reports from the [committee]
   members that the phones were ringing off the hook.
   
   The committee passed an amendment to SAFE that would create a special
   government body that would assist law enforcement in coping with
   encryption in the course of investigations.
   
   Despite enjoying the support of more than 252 representatives, SAFE
   has faced stiff opposition. Two committees have offered substitute
   amendments to the bill that would radically overhaul its affect.
   
   The bill now moves to the rules committee where various versions
   passed by other committees must be reconciled. Lobbyists and staffers
   speaking on background have said the bill is unlikely to reach the
   House floor this session.
   
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