Arlington, VA – EIA President Dave McCurdy today joined together with representatives of the high technology industry to stress the importance of Trade Promotion Authority to the technology sector and urge undecided members of Congress to vote in favor of TPA.

McCurdy said:

“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.

“The world is looking to the United States – the leaders of free trade – to pass TPA and help end the current global recession.  Increasing exports is a direct stimulus to U.S. industry, and increased trade is a stimulus to the global economy. TPA is seen internationally as a symbol of our commitment to positive globalization and international trade.

“Passing TPA this year has become even more critical for a number of reasons.  Democracy and open markets -- two fundamental U.S. values-- were brutally attacked by terrorists on September 11.  TPA reaffirms our commitment to these core American principles.

“Trade Promotion Authority remains an essential tool for the President to exercise U.S. leadership.  There are two components to winning the war on terrorism:  military force and economic growth.  In the battle against terrorism, the vote on TPA is just as important in the long run as the vote granting the President permission to use military force.

“This Thursday’s vote should not be about process, partisan politics or personalities.  It is about the fundamentals we believe in as a nation: improving the quality of life for all Americans through higher-skilled, better paying jobs, reducing poverty, spreading democracy and stabilizing regions currently festering with alienation and despair. I urge members of Congress to vote in favor of this extremely important legislation."