[From ComDaily, a Washington trade publication. --Declan] --- Markey/White Prevails HOUSE PANEL APPROVES ENCRYPTION BILL IN REBUFF TO CLINTON, FBI [...] Rules Committee Chmn. Solomon (R-N.Y.) originally had co-sponsored bill, then dropped off and urged rejection of Goodlatte measure, declaring it harmful to national security. He said in letter to Commerce Committee members that bill wouldn't get to House floor unless it includes provisions with "crucial key recovery language" similar to those in Oxley-Manton proposals and in Intelligence Committee. Spokesman said that while Rules panel could send any version it wished to floor, Solomon wants to try to work out compromise that recognizes national security concerns. Panel spokesman said Goodlatte should "be more flexible and work out" differences with Intelligence Committee. Intelligence Chmn. Goss (R-Fla.) also is on Rules Committee. House Telecom Subcommittee Chmn. Tauzin (R-La.), who had tried to find compromise before markup, said after evening session that there would have to be more compromises. He proposed amendment to set up 5-member commission that would have 180 days to study encryption and make recommendations. Tauzin said that "something will have to be worked out that satisfies law enforcement." He said "we're not finished" with bill, said it was possible that study proposal could emerge as compromise if no other agreement could be reached: "Just like there's no predicting where the technology will be, there's no predicting where this will end up." [...] Oxley said Thurs. his amendment lost because: "The Commerce Committee was being the Commerce Committee." In protecting its jurisdiction, with eye toward electronic commerce, legislators paid attention to computer industry, including Gates, he said. However, he said "the bill isn't going anywhere" unless law enforcement and national security concerns are addressed. Oxley said he hadn't asked Solomon to hold up legislation, noting that Intelligence and National Security panel bills have provisions "stronger than mine." [...] ------------------------- Declan McCullagh Time Inc. The Netly News Network Washington Correspondent http://netlynews.com/