October 8, 2004 Washington, DC -- The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) today praised the House and Senate conferees for negotiating an agreement that would advance the Bush Administration's national security objectives while promoting the competitiveness of U.S. information technology (IT) manufacturers.  

 

The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included provisions opposed by the IT industry that would have hindered the relationship between U.S. companies and some of our key trading partners.  These provisions would also have imposed licensing requirements for basic commodity products, impeding the ability of U.S. companies to sell commercial products to our allies and diverting business opportunities to foreign competitors. 

 

"The IT industry plays a critical role in the administration's effort to secure the homeland," said ITI President Rhett Dawson. "The original House bill contained provisions that would have created tremendous barriers for U.S. manufacturers, particularly high tech companies, to compete in the global marketplace," added Dawson.  "Under the agreement reached in conference, the U.S. can continue to work towards strengthening its position as a global leader in technology."

 

"We understand that a delicate balance must be struck between protecting the homeland and facilitating trade between the U.S. and foreign countries," said Dan Hoydysh, chairman of the Computer Coalition for Responsible Exports (CCRE).  "In striking this balance, we must be careful not to stifle the very technological innovation and competitiveness that will ultimately enhance our national security."

 

ITI and CCRE expressed their appreciation of the Bush Administration's leadership on this issue and look forward to working with the Administration improve export control policy and achieve its national security goals.

 

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) represents the leading U.S. providers of information technology (IT) products and services. ITI is the voice of the high tech community, advocating policies that foster economic growth and job creation by advancing U.S. leadership in technology and innovation; expanding market access for IT products; protecting consumer privacy and choice; promoting e-commerce; and enhancing the global competitiveness of its member companies.

ITI member companies include Accenture, Agilent Technologies, Apple, Applied Materials, Canon U.S.A., Cisco, Corning, Dell, Eastman Kodak, eBay, EMC, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, IBM, Intel, Lexmark, Microsoft, National Semiconductor, NCR, Oracle, Panasonic, SAP, Sony Electronics, Sun Microsystems, Symbol Technologies, Tektronix, Time Warner, and Unisys. For more information, contact Shannon Feaster at sfeaster@itic.org.

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