WASHINGTON — The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the global voice for the technology sector's leading companies, issued the following statement from Vice President for Government Relations Vince Jesaitis welcoming the House Ways and Means Committee’s vote to approve legislation introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to reauthorize the U.S. trade promotion authority (TPA):

Today’s debate and vote in the House Ways and Means Committee made one thing clear: TPA really is about America leading the world in productivity, competitiveness, and innovation—especially in the tech sector. But we can only continue to lead if we engage with the world, and if we engage on terms we set. TPA is the first step in breaking down the barriers that have been erected around around the world to American tech products and services. And, TPA reflects how the Internet and technology have evolved our economy by prioritizing digital trade issues in future trade agreements. We thank Chairman Ryan and the members of the committee for moving a bill forward that can help American technology companies and their workers compete and thrive in the global marketplace.

The House Ways and Means Committee vote comes on the heels of the Senate Finance Committee approving similar legislation yesterday. Last week the leaders of ITI and seven other technology industry trade groups joined together in a statement of support for the legislation, and ITI President and CEO Dean Garfield explained how specific provisions in the bill would benefit the digital and Internet economy.

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