Washington, DC, Nov. 17, 2004 - As part of an effort to promote policies beneficial to the technology industry and the broader U.S. economy, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is calling on President Bush to work with high-tech leaders in the months ahead to develop a second-term agenda focused on strengthening U.S. innovation and the business environment. EIA, the leading advocate for the U.S. high-tech industry in Washington, DC, is also urging the Bush Administration to work with the Alliance and its corporate members by supporting recommendations contained in EIA's policy playbook, The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads.

EIA's offer of support was included as part of a recent joint congratulatory letter sent to President Bush from EIA President Dave McCurdy, along with representatives from the Internet Security Alliance and EIA's education foundation, the National Science and Technology Education Partnership, and the presidents of the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association; the Government Electronics and Information Technology Association; JEDEC, the Solid State Technology Association; and the Telecommunications Industry Association.

In its correspondence, EIA outlined several Bush Administration proposals and recommendations that would improve prospects for U.S. high-tech, including completing the Doha Round of WTO negotiations; reforming the tax code to ensure U.S. businesses can compete globally; improving the regulatory environment; making the R&D tax credit permanent; and encouraging universal, affordable broadband access.

The congratulatory letter concluded by noting that EIA and its corporate members - leaders within the information technology, telecommunications, semiconductor, defense, space, and research and development fields - are "in a strong position to help develop and advance initiatives that address the long-term viability of our innovative market sectors. With this in mind, we would welcome public discussion and debate as you develop meaningful high-tech policies."

To view the full text of EIA's congratulatory letter to President Bush, go to http://www.eia.org/resources/congratulatory_letter_to_president_bush.pdf.

About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance is the leading advocate for the U.S. high-tech industry in Washington, DC. Its 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. EIA's mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the U.S. high-tech industry through domestic and international policy efforts. For more information, go to www.eia.org.