March 16, 2000 Washington DC -- The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) tonight named Congressmen David Dreier (R-CA) and Jim Moran (D-VA) its 1999 'High-Tech Legislators of the Year' for the U.S. House of Representatives. The two representatives were recognized for the support and leadership on key information technology issues in 1999. The Senate recipients, Senators Abraham (R-MI) and Dodd (D-CT) were named last week.
"At a time when more and more public policy decisions impact the technology industry, we are pleased to have Representatives Dreier and Moran as our champions on Capitol Hill," said Rhett Dawson, president of ITI. "It is clear that they understand the important role information technology plays in growing our economy and creating new jobs. In addition, their strong support for free trade is a true indication that they understand that opening new markets is essential to continuing America's technological leadership."
ITI represents the leading U.S. providers of information technology products and services. It is currently the only D.C. based technology association to release an annual vote guide that rates how Members of Congress vote on key IT issues. This is the first year ITI has named 'High-Tech Legislators of the Year.' The honorees were chosen based on their leadership and support for key IT issues in 1999.
ITI cited Representative Dreier's outspoken support for free trade issues and his leadership on trade with China. In addition, Dreier has been the technology industry's champion on computer export controls. He was instrumental in the passage of Y2K liability legislation and has he has consistently scored a 100 percent on the annual ITI High-Tech Voting Guide.
Representative Moran has not only received perfect scores on the annual ITI vote guide, he also was one of the industry's strongest allies in getting a strong Y2K liability through Congress and signed by the President. As co-chair of the House New Democrats. Moran's vocal leadership was crucial to moving digital signatures legislation through the House. Moran also is a strong supporter of free trade and has tackled such issues as increasing H-1B visas and protecting the Internet from taxation.
"The key American leadership in the Information Age has been, and I hope will continue to be, the bi-partisan nature of our issues," continued Dawson. "Representatives Dreier and Moran are two examples of how our industry benefits when both sides work together."
In addition to honoring Members of Congress, ITI also recognized the efforts of two key congressional staffers. Brian Bieron of Congressman Dreier's office was recognized for his excellent staff work on computer export controls, trade with China, and increasing H-1B visas. Pete Lawson with Congressman Moran was honored for his work on digital signatures, Y2K legislation and trade with China.
ITI member companies include: 3COM; Agilent; AOL; Apple; Cisco; Compaq; Corning; Dell; Eastman Kodak; Gateway; Hewlett-Packard; IBM; Intel; Lexmark; Microsoft; Motorola; NCR; Panasonic; Pitney Bowes; SGI; Sony; StorageTek; Symbol Technologies; Tektronix; Tyco; and Unisys.
©2000 Information Technology Industry Council