WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The American Civil Liberties Union and 26 other civil rights and advocacy groups wrote to top lawmakers Thursday to urge support for a $1 billion boost in funding for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is included in a $3.5 trillion spending proposal.

The groups wrote to both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in each House of Congress to express their support for the $1 billion increase in funding. This money is included within a $3.5 trillion spending proposal.

As it enforces anti-deceptive practices rules, the FTC is now able to push corporations into better protecting consumer data.

This increase in funding will allow the Commission to better protect low-income people and communities of color against identity theft, fraud and other forms of exploitation. Privacy rights help prevent people from being treated unfairly based on who they are — privacy rights are civil rights,” they wrote.

Last week, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee approved $1 billion for FTC to establish a bureau to improve data security and fight identity theft. However, it still needs congressional approval. This money will be used to fund the agency for ten years.

A $3.5 trillion social spending bill includes a $1 billion funding boost for the agency. It also provides free community college and universal preschool, as well as investments in clean energies. Major tax increases are also proposed for the corporations and wealthy.

Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer and House speaker Nancy Pelosi were the top Democrats in Congress. They said they have reached a compromise on Thursday regarding how to finance social spending. Democrats expect to be able to pass it without Republican assistance.

The Democratic-controlled House is also due to take up as early as Monday a Senate-passed $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.