Arlington, Va., Oct. 6, 2004 - The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) applauds the Congressional conferees on H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act, for their successful and bipartisan passage today of a conference report that seeks to create U.S. jobs, enhance companies' competitiveness worldwide and improve the domestic business landscape. As the legislation moves to the Senate and House for votes on its final passage, EIA President Dave McCurdy strongly urges Members on both sides of the aisle to support this important and economically stimulating bill.

"It's been a long road, but Chairman Thomas, Chairman Grassley and the conferees on the American Jobs Creation Act have done a tremendous job in steering this bill through the conference process in a productive and bipartisan fashion," said McCurdy. "The provisions included in the bill will provide much-needed incentives for domestic manufacturers and will help reform the international tax code in a way that allows our companies to better compete globally. It provides strong, near-term incentives for the technology industry to invest in U.S. employees, capital equipment and research."

"The passage of this legislation will also eliminate the harmful tariffs imposed by the EU for the past seven months and prevent them from harming U.S. consumers and industry any more," McCurdy added. "It is absolutely critical that Congress deliver the bill to the President before adjourning. EIA strongly encourages the support of all Congressional Members."

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About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance is the leading advocate for the U.S. high-tech industry in Washington, DC. Its 2,500 member companies provide products and services ranging from microscopic electronic components to state-of-the-art defense, space and industry high-tech systems, as well as the full range of telecommunications and consumer electronic products. EIA's mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the U.S. high-tech industry through domestic and international policy efforts.