Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today eight of the most respected voices representing technology and Internet companies of all sizes joined together to release statements of support following the introduction of bipartisan legislation which will update and renew trade promotion authority (TPA). With the introduction of this bill, Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), have taken an important step to bring Congress’s direction to U.S. negotiators into the digital and Internet era.

The products and services our member companies make and offer connect people, businesses, and governments in ways that were not possible when TPA was previously passed in 2002. The trade agreements currently being negotiated represent a tremendous opportunity to open new markets for our industry and set the rules for the 21st century digital economy, but TPA is an important and critical first step to ensure those agreements are robust and meet the high standards U.S. workers and businesses demand. This means trade agreements absolutely must include new language that recognizes the vital role technology, digital goods and services, and the Internet play in our modern economy.

The leaders of the eight organizations released the following statements:

Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of BSA, said: "We commend Senators Hatch and Wyden and Congressman Ryan for their leadership in updating trade promotion authority legislation to reflect a 21st century trade regime. This legislation will help ensure that pending trade agreements include necessary rules to promote cross-border data flows. This is critical for the software industry and other sectors of our economy to capitalize on trade opportunities and realize the benefits of the growing data economy."

Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, said: "TPA that takes a modern approach to trade agreements to ensure a robust digital economy and growth of the Internet is vital to American innovation. Wednesday, we had dozens of companies on Capitol Hill meeting with their representatives to tell their stories of employment and business - TPA will help grow American innovation."

Dean Garfield, President and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), said: "Tech's message to Congress is simple: supporting TPA will promote job creation and propel us forward in building a strong 21st century economy. Contrary to the same, recycled talking points being used to scare people, trade promotion authority is actually about growing the economy and putting more Americans to work. With 95 percent of customers living outside of the U.S., new markets must be opened so that businesses can reach new customers.

John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), said: "TPA represents a much-needed shot in the arm for free trade, which is critical to the U.S. semiconductor industry, to American jobs, and to our economy," said John Neuffer, president & CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). "Semiconductors are one of America’s top exports, and more than 80 percent of U.S. semiconductor sales are to customers abroad, so our industry depends heavily on access to international markets. We applaud introduction of this pro-growth legislation and urge lawmakers to act swiftly to approve it."

Carl Guardino, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said: "By eliminating counterproductive trade barriers, we can increase tax revenue, grow GDP and create jobs at home. We applaud Congress for its leadership in introducing Trade Promotion Authority legislation and urge its passage. Our businesses rely on a robust export market and this bill will go a long way in empowering the U.S. and enabling U.S. companies to remain competitive across the globe."

Ken Wasch, the President of the Software & Information Industry Association, said: "TPA is essential in allowing us to build on the success of the software industry which is increasingly the backbone of the economy as Robert Shapiro demonstrated in his report on the U.S. Software Industry as an Engine for Economic Growth and Employment."

Linda Moore, President and CEO of TechNet, said: "Congress must seize this rare bipartisan opportunity to modernize TPA and give American businesses that rely on trade a chance to compete and succeed in today’s global marketplace."

Scott Belcher, CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), said: "The passage of Trade Promotion Authority legislation is critical to increasing the competitiveness of U.S. companies overseas, particularly in the information and communications industry, and to ensuring continued job growth at home. We’d like to thank Senators Hatch and Wyden, as well as Congressman Ryan, for their tireless efforts to craft this bipartisan bill, and we urge Congress to swiftly approve this important legislation."

Follow TIA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, TIA NOW and Google+ for latest updates.