CCIA Releases High Tech Scorecard

File Under: News

Feb 1, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2008) – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) today released its High Tech Scorecard measuring the 110th Congress’ First Session performance on technology and innovation issues facing the U.S.  The scorecard ranks Members in both the House of Representatives and Senate according to their votes cast on traditional core CCIA issues such as innovation, U.S. competitiveness, and the tech economy.

“CCIA is encouraged by the renewed congressional attention to high technology issues,” said Ed Black, CCIA President and CEO.  “While much work remains to be done to tackle the challenges of deploying affordable broadband to all Americans and protecting Internet privacy, serious tech issues are now considered major policy issues facing American, not just the technology community.”  Black continued, “We urge all of the presidential campaigns to recognize how important technology issues are to the health of our economy and global leadership.”

The House of Representatives has considered a number of pieces of important technology legislation in 2007, such as U.S. patent reform, but these bills have yet to receive a Senate floor vote.  Pro-technology votes cast by democratic presidential candidates, Senators Barack Obama (86%) and Hillary Clinton (79%), have earned them a spot in the top tier, while colleague, Senator John McCain, Republican presidential candidate, ranks in a lower percentile with a 64% score.  However, all the candidates’ scores reflect the votes they missed while on the campaign trail. 

“In today’s economic climate, we call on Congress, the current Administration, and presidential hopefuls to focus on our economy and to keep an eye on the job growth potential available in this dynamic sector,” Black continued.  “A serious commitment from policymakers to make investments in technology, and research and development is necessary to ensure that the U.S. maintains its economic competitiveness and remains a leader in the 21st century.”