Print This PageWashington, DC, July 14, 2005 - Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) President Dave McCurdy issued the following statement in reaction to the House of Representatives' defeat of H.R. 3100:
"EIA commends the 203 Members of the House of Representatives who voted against H.R. 3100. The Alliance supports the United States' goal of dissuading other governments from making arms transfers to China. But enacting legislation such as H.R. 3100 would undermine our efforts to achieve that goal by imposing automatic, unilateral sanctions on nations closely allied with America. It would also hamper the ability of U.S. defense and technology firms to work with companies in Europe, Israel, Canada and Australia, and disrupt U.S. defense relationships and projects with our allies.
"There is no question that our trade relations and security concerns with China deserve Congressional attention, and the EU's apparent decision not to change its policy on arms exports to China is a positive development. We applaud the House for rejecting this misguided legislation and appreciate the work of leaders such as Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) and Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) for educating their fellow members about this dangerous and counterproductive legislation. With more than 200 House members voting to take rhetoric to the political tipping point with this measure, it is nonetheless clear that even more education is needed to help Congress come up with effective means to improve our relations with China."
About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is the leading advocate in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. high-tech industry. The Alliance, which traces its origins to the Radio Manufacturers Association (chartered in 1924), is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies whose mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the $400 billion U.S. high-tech and electronics industries through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA's corporate members - nearly 1,300 - 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 electronics products. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Alliance is made up of the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA); the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA); JEDEC; the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA); and leading consumer electronics companies who participate in EIA's Environmental Issues Council. EIA is also heavily involved in cyber security issues through the Internet Security Alliance (ISAlliance), and education issues, through the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).
Contact Email: ngaffney@eia.org
