FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2, 2007

TIA Applauds House for Passing Innovation Bill

Language setting aside communications R&D grants is a major step toward a nationwide, 21st-Century network.

Arlington, Va. - TIA applauded the House of Representatives today for passing the Conference report for H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act, by a vote of 367 to 57. The legislation is an important first step in reforming U.S. high-tech innovation policy. TIA was instrumental to including language to the bill that authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to administer a grant program for basic research into advanced information and communications technologies through NSF. Such grants will enable U.S. manufacturers, many of whom are TIA members, to roll out robust R & D programs while staying competitive in the global marketplace.

"This bill is a big win for high-tech innovators everywhere," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "We worked tirelessly to educate Congress on the value of stepping up research on advanced communications in America, and we applaud the House for bringing that closer to fruition." The America COMPETES Act as a whole strengthens teacher training and education in science, technology, engineering and math; funds basic and interdisciplinary research; establishes new innovation incentives; and supports strategic efforts to build curriculums and research for the service sector, which accounts for 80 percent of the U.S. economy.

TIA also urges President Bush to sign the Act into law after its likely passage in the Senate tomorrow.

For more information on TIA's support for this and other legislation, contact Ian Martinez at 703.907.7723 or imartinez@tiaonline.org.

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About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association is the leading trade association in Washington, D.C., for the information, communications and entertainment technology industry. TIA serves suppliers to global markets through its leadership in standards development, domestic and international policy advocacy, and facilitating member business opportunities such as the co-owned NXTcomm. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). For more information, go to http://www.tiaonline.org.