Rep. Smucker Introduces the Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act

WASHINGTON - As first reported in Politico, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), a member of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, introduced the Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act, legislation to counter Canada's digital trade barriers targeting American streaming companies and content producers.

Under Canada's Online Streaming Act, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) imposed costly financial and regulatory burdens on U.S.-based digital services while exempting Canadian competitors.

The Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act would launch a Section 301 investigation into Canada's Online Streaming Act to determine if Canada's implementation of the law discriminates against or burdens American commerce. If so, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is directed to take necessary retaliatory action to combat Canada's policies.

"Digital trade plays a critical role in America's economy, supporting high-paying jobs and exporting American values. Canada's unfair policies stack the deck against U.S. companies, creators, and workers. This bill would protect American creators and companies while permitting mutually beneficial competition and innovation," said Rep. Smucker.

Cosponsors of this bill include Reps. Greg Steube (FL-17), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Carol Miller (WV-01).

Outside groups supporting this bill include the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), Digital Media Association (DIMA), Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), and Motion Picture Association (MPA).

"We commend Representative Smucker for his leadership in pushing back against discriminatory international digital trade music and video service laws. The Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act is a necessary and timely step to ensure that U.S. core trade rules are enforced and that digital markets remain open, competitive, and innovation-friendly." Brian McMillan, Vice President, Federal Affairs, Computer and Communications Industry Association

"DIMA applauds Congressman Smucker's introduction of the Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act. Implementation of Canada's Online Streaming Act continues to be a significant source of concern to our members, as it discriminates against non-Canadian, and especially U.S. companies, jeopardizes investments, and imposes new and undue burdens on music streaming services. DIMA appreciates Congressman Smucker's leadership on this issue, including his commitment to ensuring compliance with the terms of the USMCA and discouraging copycat efforts by other countries." Graham Davies, President and CEO, Digital Media Association

"Canada's Online Streaming Act disproportionately targets American streaming platforms, violates the spirit of the USMCA, and sets a troubling precedent for other countries. If left unchallenged, American streaming platforms may face a barrage of protectionist digital policies in foreign markets designed to extract revenue from them and privilege non-American content. We welcome timely and necessary Congressional efforts to challenge this legislation and curb this expansion of digital protectionism." Rodrigo Balbontin, Associate Director on IP, Trade, and Digital Technology Governance, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

"Fair market access is essential to maintaining a strong film and television industry. Canada and its audiences are important to our member studios and the broader industry. However, Canada's Online Streaming Act disadvantages American companies and undermines competitiveness by requiring streaming companies to subsidize and promote Canadian content over their own productions through discriminatory obligations that Canadian broadcasters do not face. We applaud Rep. Smucker's commitment to addressing this unfair trade practice that's impacting film and television production in America." Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association

Read more about this bill in Politico's exclusive coverage here.

Background:

Rep. Smucker led a letter with broad Ways and Means Committee support to President Trump and U.S. trade officials in July 2025highlighting the negative impacts of the Online Streaming Act on American industry, and a bipartisan letter in November 2025to Canadian trade officials requesting that the law be rescinded.

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