WASHINGTON-Congressional Republicans lashed out at House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) and the House Democratic innovation agenda, pointing to Democratic opposition to key high-tech legislation such as class-action reform and the Central American Free Trade Agreement.
“We are already pursuing what the Democrats are proposing and are doing it despite Democrats’ votes against many of our proposals that are top priorities for the high-tech industry,” said Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), who is pushing a telecom rewrite bill. “Pursuit of a meaningful high-tech agenda should be accomplished through effective legislation, yet our work on all of the major priorities for the high-tech sector over the past Congress has been met with objections from Democrats.”
Pelosi outlined the Democratic tech plan at a press conference yesterday.
Ensign also blamed Democrats for failing to move budget reconciliation legislation, which includes a provision setting a hard date for TV broadcasters to return analog spectrum used during the transition to digital technology. Some of the spectrum is earmarked for public-safety communications, while the rest is apt to be auctioned for commercial wireless services.
“Putting out a press release is not going to reverse Democrats’ consistent votes against reforms that would address junk lawsuits that hurt U.S. jobs, and against bringing money back to the U.S., where it can create jobs,” Ensign said. “Republicans have clearly led the way in the pursuit of a tech agenda that will move America forward and benefit consumers everywhere.”
Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), chairman of the House Republican High Tech Working Group, said: “It is ironic that the Democratic leadership is touting a high-tech agenda after voting against two of the top legislative priorities of the high-tech community this year-CAFTA and class-action reform. The high-tech sector is not fooled by empty promises in the absence of action-they know that Republicans are the ones with a high-tech plan and the record of commitment of encouraging innovation and eliminating overly burdensome taxation and regulation. Let the record speak for itself.”
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas ) vice chairman of the same tech group, went after Pelosi by name.
“Pelosi has voted for higher taxes and more litigation, both of which strangle our small businesses and threaten their ability to compete and innovate. The Democrats’ rhetoric on economic competitiveness and high-tech innovation does not match their voting record.”
The Business Software Alliance applauded House Democrats for their tech innovation blueprint. “Technology and innovation are catalysts of long-term economic growth,” said Robert Holleyman, president and chief executive officer of the Business Software Alliance. “We support any effort in Congress-by either political party-to ensure continued investment in innovation for the future.”
