Washington, D.C., October 19, 2005 - In a letter sent today to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) urged Congress to support language in a committee reconciliation bill that would provide near-term relief for the shortage of highly educated workers in science and technology fields, whose employment in America is crucial to the competitiveness of U.S. companies. To read EIA's letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, go to www.eia.org/innovation

"Gaining access to highly specialized talent from around the world has long been an important component of U.S. competitiveness, and it is imperative that Congress not lose sight of the value provided by highly educated workers, especially in the science, technology, engineering and math fields," EIA President and CEO Dave McCurdy noted. "The timely and efficient movement of people across borders allows U.S. technology companies to lead in today's global markets, which translates into more U.S. investment and jobs that contribute to a healthy economy and a higher quality of life."

The bill under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee would raise $300 million through increased visa fees over five years while at the same time offering relief to the federal green card and H1-B systems. Acknowledging that the increase in fees could be problematic for smaller companies, EIA nonetheless argued that "the much-needed relief included in the bill is necessary for our industry. The bill would make changes to the employment-based visa system that would streamline the process for workers who, in most cases, are already in the U.S. but mired in the long green card process. It would also allow for the recapturing of employment-based and H1-B visa numbers authorized by Congress but not used in previous years."

As EIA noted in "The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads," its 2004 Playbook, the availability of trained, skilled workers is a necessity for high-tech companies competing in the global economy (to download a copy of the playbook, go to http://www.eia.org/playbook). The U.S. H1-B cap for fiscal year 2006 was reached two months before the fiscal year even begins, and there is a shortage of business-based green cards. "The relief provided by the proposed Senate bill," McCurdy noted in the EIA letter, "is only the first step in the necessary comprehensive reform of the employment-based immigration system, but it is a vital step at this time. At stake for the U.S. is the ability to innovate and compete with the rest of the world."

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).