Prioritizing Iowans' Personal Security

Statement

Scammers, thieves and fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated each and every day, and in order to stay safe, protect our bank accounts, as well as safeguard personal information, it is critical we stay one step ahead.

As the founder of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud, I am pleased to announce I have launched the task force's official website - IDTaskForce-Young.House.Gov - as a proactive security tool for Iowans and all Americans. It is comprised of fraud prevention resources, information about current scams and fraudulent practices, and updates about the task force's efforts. The website even provides opportunities for folks to share their stories or report scams they have encountered, so others won't fall victim to the same tricks.

I'm hopeful the task force's official website will help individuals and families remain informed and alert, as well as empower them to stay safe and protected in the face of evolving threats.

Earlier this year, I started the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud with a specific mission in mind - to protect all Americans from hackers, scammers, thieves and fraudsters. Through the development and implementation of commonsense solutions, we are working to prioritize individuals' personal security and increase penalties and punishment for those who break the law.

I've been working hard to build and secure support for the task force, and over 20 members of Congress have joined in this effort. This momentum is encouraging, and support for the task force only continues to build.

While the website is one example of my work for Iowans, back in Washington, D.C. I've been working hard to introduce and advance legislation which puts justice and Americans' personal security first.

I recently introduced the Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act, bipartisan legislation to require the Department of Justice to produce a plan to expedite the review of identity theft or IRS fraud-related cases referred to them. It also requires the Department of Justice to report to Congress about current scams and fraudulent practices, and what they're doing to address them.

Also, an amendment I introduced to protect the personally identifiable information of members of the Armed Forces and their families was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017, and passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 277 - 147. Our service members and their families sacrifice greatly on behalf of our nation, and it is up to us to ensure their personal information remains protected.

Ultimately, I'm pleased this website will serve as a resource as we continue our efforts to prioritize personal security and protect Americans. I encourage you to visit IDTaskForce-Young.House.Gov and learn more about the different ways the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud can help you.

David Young is the Congressman serving all the people of Iowa's Third Congressional District. He is a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Subcommittees on Agriculture, Homeland Security, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.

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