WASHINGTON, D.C…. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., has been named Legislator of the Year by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) for his efforts to ensure America’s students have the skills they need to compete in the demanding global economy.
 
“ITI selected Steny Hoyer as Legislator of the Year because of his commitment to an innovation-driven economy.  He understands that, to compete around the world, U.S. companies need a second-to-none workforce of engineers, scientists, and others with the brain power to drive America forward.  Whip Hoyer knows that America’s global competitors are not going to stop innovating and improving, and the United States must invest to stay ahead,” said ITI President & CEO Dean Garfield.
 
The tech-focused policy and advocacy group also pointed to Hoyer's support for expanded market access for U.S. companies and his work to find bipartisan solutions to address the country's outdated corporate tax code.  The United States currently has the world's highest corporate tax rate and has proved to be a barrier to business investment and job creation.
 
“I am honored to receive this award from ITI,” Whip Hoyer said.  “ITI’s member companies are America’s leading innovators, who continue to reshape our society with new technologies and products that open doors to greater opportunity.  Their voices are ever more important as Congress continues its pursuit of solutions to our economic challenges.  In visiting a number of these companies and in my meetings with technology industry leaders, I’ve heard the same message again and again:  Congress must invest in a highly skilled workforce and enact policies that help businesses succeed here in America.  I look forward to continuing to work with ITI and its members to continue to promote policies that make our economy the most competitive in the world.”
 
ITI, a leading tech-focused global policy and advocacy organization, honored Rep. Walden with the award during its recent board meeting in Washington, D.C.  The organization is widely recognized as the tech industry’s most effective advocacy group in Washington, D.C., and in capitals around the world.