The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding the amended Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA), which now includes language from the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA):

    "While the House is to be commended for focusing on the serious crime of sex trafficking, CTA is concerned about the House's effort to rush a floor vote on the amended FOSTA bill without considering the effects of the merged bills. Moving forward on a House vote without having a legislative hearing on the impact of the SESTA language is ill-advised.

   "It would be extraordinary and nearly unprecedented for the House to legislate major changes in federal criminal law without the scrutiny of the House Judiciary Committee. CTA is concerned that this needlessly rushed and unorthodox process will result in unintended language gravely harming legitimate businesses and the internet economy.

   "We urge House leadership to return to regular order and allow members to address the issue of sex trafficking without risking damaging and unforeseen consequences to lawful American entrepreneurs."