OVERNIGHT TECH: Lawmakers huddle over data security bill Wednesday

THE LEDE: Lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee will meet Wednesday to discuss Rep. Mary Bono Mack's (R-Calif.) SAFE Data Act behind closed doors. The legislation would establish a national standard for data-breach notification for companies in the event consumers' personal information is compromised by an attack.

A spokesman for Bono Mack said the meeting is aimed at resolving some concerns among Republicans on provisions in the bill regarding liability, the pre-emption language and the timing of the breach notification. The spokesman said lawmakers have made progress in the last few weeks and that there is still flexibility to address the remaining concerns.

"It's a huge issue, we're just one data breach away from Americans rattling the cages wanting to know why Congress isn't doing more," said the spokesman, adding that Bono Mack is "guardedly optimistic" about moving a bill in the near future.

House passes wireless tax freeze: The House approved a bill Tuesday to ban new state or local taxes on wireless phone bills for five years. The bill is strongly supported by CTIA, a trade group that represents major wireless carriers including AT&T and Verizon. Supporters of the measure, sponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), argue it will curb excessive state and local wireless taxes that hurt consumers. Opponents say the wireless industry should not be singled out for special protection, and that governments need the tax revenue to balance their budgets. A companion bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate Finance Committee.

On Tap Wednesday:

House Energy and Commerce Committee Communications subpanel Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) will host a press conference Wednesday morning where they will unveil their long-awaited legislation to reform processes at the Federal Communications Commission. Republicans have been displeased with a number of recent FCC actions, most notably the passage of net-neutrality rules and the protracted review of the NBC Universal-Comcast merger, to which the commission attached multiple conditions. The legislation will likely codify in some form the informal shot clock used during merger reviews and require additional transparency from the five-member commission.

The House Science Committee’s Technology subpanel will hold a morning hearing on fostering innovation in the U.S. to create grow new businesses and create jobs. Witnesses include Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation senior scholar Brink Lindsey, Skybox Imaging co-founder Julian Mann and former Martek Biosciences CEO Steve Dubin.

ICYMI: 

Vice President Biden emphasized the importance of protecting the freedom of expression online while filling in via teleconference for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whose mother died Tuesday at the age of 92.

President Obama nominated former FCC lawyers Ajit Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel to the commission Monday evening; both are expected to be confirmed by the Senate.

A group of stakeholders held a press conference Tuesday at the National Association of Broadcasters to tout the new Future of TV Coalition.

The Commerce Department has canceled an $80 million stimulus grant for broadband in Louisiana.

AT&T defended its job-creation claims related to its proposed takeover of T-Mobile USA.

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