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[Page: S1800] GPO's PDF---
Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise this morning to speak about the Senate Republican high-tech task force. Today is an important day for our high-tech task force, as we are unveiling our policy agenda and principles for the upcoming session and the rest of the year.
First, I express my gratitude to Senator Reid and Senator DASCHLE for allowing us this half hour of time to address our colleagues on the very important issue of technology and the policy issues that we have faced, are facing, and will face this year.
The purpose of the high-tech task force is to advise Republican leadership and, hopefully, others on the other side of the aisle on issues important to the technology community. We look at ourselves as a portal to the technology innovators and entrepreneurs to get their ideas and messages to the Senate so that we are well informed as to the impact of any potential changes in laws, or there may be laws that are outdated and need to be updated or upgraded.
The advancement of technology in the United States is important. It is important for our quality of life, for our competitiveness as a nation. It is also very important for providing good-paying jobs for Americans.
Technology improvements benefit our lives and our businesses and our competitiveness in many ways. For example, in manufacturing, it allows manufacturers to manufacture whatever the good or product is, more efficiently, with greater quality, with less waste, and fewer toxins. In a distribution center, if you went to a Dollar Tree or a Family Dollar or Dollar General distribution center, you would see how they use technology to pick different items for their various stores and then loading them on trucks.
Technological improvements help our communications systems within our country. It also helps education opportunities, life sciences, and biological advancements that are allowing people to lead better, healthier, longer lives. It can help in law enforcement and coordination of law enforcement efforts at the State, local, and national level. And it can provide for a better transportation system with smart roads and smart cars, and the concept of telecommunicating, teleworking, allowing people to have a better quality of life while not having to fight traffic every day and have more time with their families.
It improves in so many ways our quality of life, our efficiency, and also our environment. On the high-tech task force, in addition to myself, I am joined on the task force by Senators ALLARD, BENNETT, BROWNBACK, BURNS, COLLINS, KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, ENSIGN, SESSIONS, and GORDON SMITH, as well as ex officio members who are the ranking members of the various important committees that deal with technology, including the Armed Services Committee with JOHN WARNER,
Banking Committee, PHIL GRAMM; Senator McCain of Commerce; Senator Grassley of Finance, and Senator ORRIN HATCH, a great leader of our Judiciary Committee.
We had many accomplishments last year. The education bill was an important one. No child left behind. Education is the key--making sure we have a capable population in our country so youngsters can seize the opportunities not just of the silicon dominion of Virginia, but technology jobs all across the country. That was a very important bill. The clean 2-year extension of the Internet access tax moratorium was important. I don't think there should be access taxes on the Internet, but we were able to get a 2-year extension to prevent Internet taxes, which would only exacerbate the digital divide.
We also passed the Export Administration Act in the Senate. We updated those laws so computers can be sold from this country as opposed to other countries getting them from France, Germany, or Japan. We can compete. The House has a different view.
There was a proposed merger of ASML, a Dutch company, with SBG,
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We were able to advocate appropriations of additional funds for justice for anti-piracy prosecution. Intellectual property rights is very important, and we need to enforce those. We also turned back efforts to change the current encryption export rules--again, very important.
Now, for the upcoming session, one of the successes was the 3-year, 30-percent bonus depreciation measure, which was finally passed last Friday as part of the economic stimulus bill. That is important for all businesses, but especially the technology community so businesses can upgrade their technology and other equipment. Senator Gordon Smith was the lead for our high-tech task force in getting that accomplishment, which will help stimulate the economy, save and create more jobs.
Now, the agenda is really one based on principles. The principles we have this year are the same as last. We have added a few issues that have arisen recently. We want a Federal Tax Code that is appropriate for the 21st century. That means several different things. We want to, No. 1, continue working to make the research and development tax credit permanent.
Secondly, we want to accelerate and reform the depreciation schedules for technology equipment. We also want to encourage capital formation for small technology companies. And also of recent importance we are going to work to preserve the current tax treatment for stock options.
Just yesterday, the high-tech task force urged Leaders DASCHLE and LOTT to oppose any effort to consider S. 1940, which is a bill to require above-the-line expensing of stock options. Not to get into all the minutia of tax laws, but the fact is, passage of such legislation would dramatically deter companies from providing rank and file employees with stock options, and they are an important part of compensation. That proposal will certainly be harmful for technology companies.
We also are going to work to enhance free trade, in that it is important for opening up fair and free trade. We will open up new markets for our technology and our services. One must recognize that, while computers are fairly prevalent in this country, they are not all that prevalent in the rest of the world. Nearly half of the people in the world have yet to make their first telephone call. Only about 2 percent of the world's population has a computer. That tells us there are great
opportunities for our technologies, as well as construction equipment, and so forth, all over the world; and tearing down barriers will help our jobs in this country and our technological advancements to continue. Also, it would not only benefit our country, but it would increase the standard of living for those who tear down those barriers so that their citizenry can have the opportunities of advanced technology for their quality of life, a better environment, and more opportunities. So we are going to continue to advocate trade promotion authority. We will also continue working to protect Internet security, and we will continue combating terrorism.
To that end, we are going to seek advancement of the Bennett-Kyl legislation to allow information sharing between private companies and the Government by codifying a limited Freedom of Information Act exemption.
We are going to support the Bush administration's budget, as far as funding for cyber-security issues. We are going to continue working to safeguard copyrights in the digital age. That is very important. The private sector needs to work together with a variety of companies to do it, rather than worry about an inept Federal Government dictating standards in that regard.
We are going to continue promoting education and technology in a variety of ways. There are some good ideas that we are supporting--particularly, the President in his effort on education, proposing that families of students who are in failing schools get a tax credit. A $2,500 tax credit could go toward purchasing computers, peripherals, books, and also tuition. Personally, I am for a tax credit focusing on computers and peripherals, educational software and tutoring. It should not just be for kids in failing schools, but for all schools, in order to bridge the digital divide.
We are going to work to expand broadband technologies. The Patent and Trademark Office funding is important. Those fees ought to go to the Patent and Trademark Office and should not be diverted to other efforts. We want to keep government out of competition with e-commerce businesses.
Digital decency. We are for it. We want the private sector to look at ways to put in a filter so people can enjoy the Internet as they see fit, as opposed to the government censoring it.
In the area of legal reform, there are several areas--especially class actions. We have these class action lawsuits filed all over the country. The diversity of that jurisdiction, at the option of the defendant, ought to be more easily removed to Federal court to get a better, more expedited and fair judgment.
Also, spectrum reform is very important, particularly in rural areas. I am going to yield in a minute to the Senator from Montana.
Before I do that, I ask unanimous consent that endorsements of these policy principles and ideas by the Information Technology Association of America, Information Technology Industry Council, the Business Software Alliances, the Electronic Industries Alliance, TechNet, and ACT be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
ITAA Lauds High Tech Task Force Agenda
ARLINGTON, VA.--The information Technology Association of America (ITTA) today praised the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force as the group kicked off its 2002 agenda on Capitol Hill.
``We look forward to working with the Republican High Tech Task Force as well as Democrats in the Senate to achieve sound policy that will allow the high tech industry to once again become the engine of our U.S. economy,'' said ITTA President Harris N. Miller, adding ``Last week's passage of the Economic Stimulus legislation on a bipartisan basis showed that the HTTF, under Senator Allen's leadership, reaching across the aisle can accomplish great objectives for the IT industry.''
``In 2001, we worked on a bipartisan basis to support passage of key tech related bills such as the extension of the Internet tax moratorium and education reform,'' Miller continued. ``This year, Trade Promotion Authority and improving information security are some of ITAA's top priorities, so we are gratified to see them also topping the HTTF agenda.''
The Information Technology Association of America (ITTA) provides global public policy, business networking, and national leadership to promote the continued rapid growth of the IT industry. ITAA consists of over 500 corporate members throughout the U.S., and a global network of 47 countries' IT associates. The Association plays the leading role in issues of IT industry concern including information security, taxes and finance policy, digital intellectual property protection, telecommunications competition, workforce and education, immigration, online privacy and consumer protection, government IT procurement, human resources and e-commerce policy. ITAA members range from the smallest IT start-ups to industry leaders in the Internet, software, IT services, ASP, digital content, systems integration, telecommunications, and enterprise solution fields.
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ITI Applauds Senate Republican Task Force Agenda, Recent Legislative Accomplishments
WASHINGTON, DC.--The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) applauds the Senate Republican High-Tech Task Force for its 2002 agenda and its work securing passage of key legislative initiatives during the past year.
``We are pleased to support the Task Force's agenda and would like to thank them for their work last year to secure passage of legislation vital to the IT industry,'' said Rhett Dawson, President of ITI.
``The 30 percent bonus depreciation provision in the stimulus bill, Senate passage of education reform legislation, and the two-year moratorium on Internet access taxes were key victories for the IT industry. The work of the Task Force was key to achieving these goals. We look forward to a productive 2002 in which the Senate passes Trade Promotion Authority and other important pieces of legislation.''
ITI represents the leading U.S. providers of information technology products and services. ITI member companies employ more than 1 million people in the United States and exceeded $668 billion in worldwide revenues in 2002.
The High-Tech Voting Guide is used to ITI to measure Members of Congress' support for
[Page: S1802] GPO's PDF
ITI member companies include Agilent Technologies, Amazon.com, AOL Time Warner, Apple Computer, Canon U.S.A., Cisco, Compaq, Corning, Dell, Eastman Kodak, EMC, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lexmark, Microsoft, Motorola, National Semiconductor, NCR, Panasonic, Siebel, Siemens, SGI, Sony, StorageTek, Sun Microsystems, Symbol Technologies, Tektronix and Unisys.
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Business Software Alliance Applauds Aggressive Agenda Proposed by Senate Republican High Tech Task Force
WASHINGTON, DC, Mar. 13.--The Business Software Alliance (BSA) today commended the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force following its release of an aggressive agenda for the 108th Congress aimed at benefiting the technology industry.
``The technology industry serves as a primary engine for the U.S. economy, and the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force deserves significant credit in laying out a clear, pro-growth agenda,'' said Robert Holleyman. BSA's President and CEO. ``As the nation moves toward a more positive economic outlook, it is more important than ever to focus Congress' attention on legislative initiatives that will secure sustained growth, create jobs, enforce strong intellectual property protection, promote strong security and spur innovation. The agenda put forth today mirrors many of BSA's own policy objectives and serves as a coherent blueprint to achieve our shared goals.''
``The Senate Republican High Tech Task Force has served as a vocal and influential legislative champion on policy issues of critical importance to the high tech industry. We look forward to continuing the partnership we have established with the Task Force and making these goals legislative realities,'' continued Holleyman.
Last year, BSA joined the Republican High Tech Task Force in promoting number of successful legislative programs. Key legislative achievements included:
An appropriations increase for anti-piracy prosecutions;
The three-year, 30-percent accelerated depreciation;
A two-year extension of the Internet Tax moratortium;
President Bush's Education Reform Act; and
Maintaining current encryption export rules.
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EIA Applauds 2001 Accomplishments of Senate Republican High-Tech Task Force; Looks Forward to Continued Legislative Successes in 2002
ARLINGTON, VA.--Dave McCurdy, President of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) today thanked the Senate Republican High-Tech Task Force for their 2001 legislative accomplishments and applauded the rollout of their 2002 agenda.
McCurdy said: ``Thank Senate Republican High-Tech Task Force has worked closely with the high-tech industry to outline technology priorities during each legislative session. Their involvement and advocacy of issues critical to our industry resulted in major legislative accomplishments in 2001, including Senate passage of the Export Authorization Administration Act and passage of a 3-year, 30 percent accelerated depreciation provision.
``We look forward to the continued success of the High Tech Task Force. EIA will work hard to help secure successful completion of their 2002 agenda, which mirrors many of our priority issues, including passage of Trade Promotion Authority.
``Granting Trade Promotion Authority has consistently been a priority for the technology industry. In 2000, more than one-third of what the U.S. electronics industry produced was exported overseas--over $200 billion in goods. This means more than one-third of the 1.8 million employees who work for U.S. electronics companies depend on exports for their jobs. International trade and access to foreign markets are critical to our continued success. We look forward to working with the High Tech Task Force in ensuring the quick passage of Trade Promotion Authority in 2002.''
The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is a national trade organization that includes the full spectrum of U.S. manufacturers, representing more than 80% of the $550 billion electronics industry. The Alliance is a partnership of electronic and high tech association and companies whose mission is promoting the market development and competitiveness of the U.S. high tech industry through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is comprised of more than 2,300 member companies whose products and services range from the smallest electronic components to the most complex systems, used by defense, space and industry, including the full range of consumer electronic products. The industry provides more than two million jobs for American workers.
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TechNet Applauds Senate Republican High Tech Task Force's Agenda for 2002
PALO ALTO, CA.--The Technology Network (TechNet), a national network of high-tech and bio-tech CEOs, today praised the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force for releasing an agenda that is long on innovation and economic growth and short on government regulation.
``The Republican High Tech Task Force is an important portal for our industry, and TechNet in particular,'' said Rick White, CEO of TechNet. ``The agenda they have laid out is consistent with our efforts to spur broadband deployment, expand free trade, and minimize the government's involvement in the technology industry.''
``In particular, we appreciate the leadership the Task Force has shown in opposing any effort to require companies to expense stock options,'' continued White. ``This issue is vital to the long term success and stability of our industry.''
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