Arlington, VA – Today, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) will host its annual Mid-Year Policy Update and Board of Governors Meeting. The meeting will provide leaders of the electronics and high-tech community with the opportunity to receive a Washington DC update on developing industry policy issues that are at the forefront of the congressional agenda. The discussions will include such issues as visa reform, trade, protection of American intellectual property and the intricate role that the electronics and high tech industry plays in keeping American businesses competitive. The meeting will also provide a forum for influential policymakers to share their perspective on the congressional agenda and the upcoming midterm elections.

Dave McCurdy, EIA's President & CEO, released the following statement at the opening of the Mid-Year Policy Update:

"We are aware that something big is happening all around us. In fact, our industry is the biggest contributor to this change. Convergence is real and having an impact on our industry, associations and the world's population. For several years, EIA has advanced a strong technology and innovation-oriented economic agenda as a response to these changes.

"Through the 109th Congress, EIA has continued to be a strong voice for industry in front of the Senate Commerce and Science Committee, the House Small Business, Government Reform and Energy and Commerce Committees; as well as the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. We also provided our insights to the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus. EIA can be proud of our accomplishments. Last year, the President signed into law H.R. 32, the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act, which is a strong step in the fight against intellectual property theft. In April, EIA also introduced the publication of our Best Practices Guide to Protecting IPR in China, which has been well received and praised by the U.S. government and industry alike. Another piece of legislation signed into law was the Central American Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) which EIA worked hard to pass because we believe this trade agreement enhances domestic competitiveness by opening significant markets to U.S. exports. We hope that Congress will also pass free trade agreements with Oman and Peru this year to provide further opportunities for new business.

"EIA is fortunate to hear from four members of Congress at our Mid-Year Policy Update, beginning with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the senior Democratic member of the Joint Economic Committee. We will hear from Sen. Reed on the status of Iraq, the quadrennial-defense review and the federal budget.

"Two members of the House of Representatives, Reps. Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Adam Smith (D-WA), both from the state of Washington and members of the House Armed Services Committee, will share their perspectives on the Congressional agenda. As co-chair of the House China Caucus, Congressman Larsen will discuss our nation's policies with regards to China. Congressman Smith will later join the discussion to talk about U.S. competitiveness and fostering innovation.

"Chairman Joe Barton of the Energy and Commerce Committee will address the wide-range of issues that are before his committee such as the Telecom bill, video franchising along with the Communications agenda. He'll also provide insights on plans in Congress to increase energy efficiency and ways to better protect the environment.

"EIA will also honor Chairman Barton with its Leadership in Technology and Innovation Award, which is given to leaders in government or industry who promote and expand opportunities for innovation in the global marketplace. Rep. Barton is a strong supporter of the tech agenda and a leader in building the infrastructure that fosters innovation and U.S. competitiveness.

"As this session comes to a close, opportunities are abundant to pass legislation that will increase funding for math and science education, basic research and development and support other elements of the President's American Competitiveness Initiative. EIA was one of the earliest leaders and loudest voices for a comprehensive, nationally focused agenda to bolster the nation's innovation infrastructure, and we are committed to continuing to make a difference for the high-tech industry. We must give tomorrow's leaders the know-how and the tools to succeed, and there are a number of bills working their way through Congress that have the ability to help.

"It's imperative that Congress do its part to keep America innovative, competitive and a leader in today's global economy and EIA and its member companies will continue working with members to ensure we get the job done."