GIS freedom concerns

For those interested in geospatial information, it used to be a moment to celebrate when GIS got mentioned in proposed legislation. However, the GIS community is not celebrating this recently introduced bill.

This bill was introduced in Congress (HR482 and S103) on January 17, 2017:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/482

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/103

SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be used to design, build, maintain, utilize, or provide access to a Federal database of geospatial information on community racial disparities or disparities in access to affordable housing.