Leading IT Trade Association Praises Bush and Rangel for Public Support
May 17, 2000 Washington DC -- The Information Technology Industry Council today declared "a growing sense of bi-partisan momentum" for passage of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China. The group praised the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee for advancing legislation that grants permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China. ITI has made PNTR its top legislative priority this year and notified Congress that it will score the vote in its annual High-Tech Voting Guide.
"Today's committee votes are a victory for free trade and a recognition that America's technological leadership is dependent on opening new markets," said Rhett Dawson, president of ITI. "As we saw today and as we will see when the House votes next week - this is truly a bi-partisan issue and one we will win because Republicans and Democrats alike see the benefits that trade with China will bring to our economy, our workers, our consumers and because it helps human rights in China by spreading access to the Internet."
In addition to bi-partisan support in the two key congressional committee's, PNTR with China also got a boost this week from Governor George Bush (R-TX) and Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) who both voiced their support for the legislation.
"We applaud Governor Bush for his timely speech about free trade in Seattle and appreciate his vocal support for PNTR with China," continued Dawson. "In addition, Congressman Rangel deserves much praise for his public support of PNTR with China. We believe his support will help build momentum when the bill comes before the House next week.
"The IT industry is highly dependent on trade and if our industry is to continue to grow and prosper - we need more supporters like Governor Bush and Congressman Rangel who realize the importance of free trade to America's future," Dawson concluded.
ITI member companies export over 55% of their total output, making the IT industry the United States' largest exporter. In addition, China is one of the fastest growing markets for information technology. China will soon be the world's second largest market for cell phones; China is already the world's fastest growing market for personal computers; and the number of Chinese Internet users (8.9 million) is expected to double by the end of this year.
ITI member companies include: 3COM; Agilent; AOL; Apple; Cisco; Compaq; Corning; Dell; Eastman Kodak; EMC, Gateway; Hewlett-Packard; IBM; Intel; Lexmark; Microsoft; Motorola; NCR; Nortel Networks, Panasonic; Pitney Bowes; SGI; Sony; StorageTek; Symbol Technologies; Tektronix; Tyco; and Unisys.
©2000 Information Technology Industry Council