The Blackburn Report: Protecting Our Kids Online

- February 02, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqtA5r3Rwts

For far too long, Big Tech has made empty promises about how they will stop the bullying, sexual exploitation, fentanyl, and suicidal content on their platforms. This week, I grilled the CEOs of five different Big Tech companies about how they plan to keep our kids safe online. As young people, parents, and experts are fed up with Big Tech’s tired playbook, I am redoubling my efforts to pass the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act to make real change.

Weekly Rundown

Blue states may be losing citizens over their liberal policies, but they’re making up for it by welcoming illegal immigrants. I introduced the Equal Representation Act with Senator Hagerty to ensure that only legal citizens are factored into the count for Congressional districts and the Electoral College map that determines presidential elections.
	In the wake of recent severe weather that has ravaged communities in Tennessee, it’s important that we strengthen weather forecasting and mitigate the effects of natural disasters before they happen. I introduced the bipartisan Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act to authorize a collaborative research partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Energy to improve advanced weather models and save lives.
This week, I met with the families of kids who died because of social media harms — including a Tennessee mom whose daughter, Sarah, died of suicide at age 14 after becoming addicted to social media and suffering online bullying. Big Tech must begin prioritizing our children and implementing safety by design on their platforms.
	This week, my 95 County Tour continued. In Sumner County, we discussed how residents are frustrated with the unrelenting flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants across our southern border. I learned about how Wilson County has become a magnet for new residents due to great leadership and high quality of life. I attended TN HIMSS’s health policy round table with industry leaders from Tennessee. In Davidson County, I met with Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.

Marsha's Roundup

Watch My Floor Speeches, Hearing Remarks, Unmuted With Marsha Episodes, And Interviews Below

ICYMI

Congress cannot keep kicking the can down the road and rubber-stamping trillions of dollars in spending at the expense of our children and grandchildren who will be left to pay our bills. Read more here.
The Small Business Administration has announced that physical disaster loans are now available in Cheatham, Gibson, and Stewart counties for Tennessee businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on Dec. 9, 2023. Applicants can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
If you are planning on traveling abroad this summer, now is the perfect time to renew your passport. If you need further assistance, please contact one of my six state offices.