WASHINGTON, D.C…. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., 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.
 
“Rep. Walden is a champion for technology and innovation.  From successfully navigating legislation to free wireless spectrum to benefit consumers to his work to keep the Internet free from restrictive global government regulation, Rep. Walden’s efforts have helped to ensure America’s continued leadership in the global economy,” ITI President and CEO Dean Garfield explained.  “Rep. Walden keeps innovation as his economic North Star.”
 
“Technology and the Internet continue to grow at an astonishing pace and are perhaps the most powerful engine of social and economic freedom and job creation our world has ever known,” Walden said.
 
Walden chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.  He also is a member of the Congressional Internet Caucus.  Both of these posts give him a valuable perspective on the challenges facing U.S. workers and businesses, and the opportunities that innovation provides to overcome those challenges.
 
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.