Lawmakers, Tech Execs To Discuss Tech Bills

File Under: News

May 1, 2008

Washington, DC -- Tech executives from around the country are coming to Washington DC next week to get an update on the challenges lawmakers face getting measures passed that would help the tech industry, innovation and the economy.

The discussion with Senators, House members and tech executives is part of the Computer and Communications Industry Association’s annual Washington Caucus at the Willard hotel in Washington DC.  

CCIA, along with other tech industry representatives, has been working with Congress to develop good legislation on patent reform, more visas for highly skilled workers, more research and development, the Colombia trade agreement, copyright reform, net neutrality and other policies that promote competition among tech and telecom companies and the competitiveness of the United States in the world.

Legislation addressing nearly all these matters is pending. Lawmakers, who understand the importance of these issues and want to get the legislative fixes right, will discuss the merits and politics of these issues. Tech industry executives will have a chance to ask questions and give reports from the front lines on the impact of the pending legislation.

The 14 officials and members of Congress speaking to tech executives include Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who will lead off the morning, Rep. Anna Eshoo, D- Calif., Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who will speak ahead of the lunch keynote speech, featuring Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn. Rep. Wally Herger, R-Calif., Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Penn., Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo and Sen. John Cornyn. R-Texas, speak in the afternoon. FTC Chairman Bill Kovacic will meet tech executives for breakfast Wednesday. For more information go to www.ccianet.org