Information Technology Advances

WASHINGTON, DC - March 1, 2006 - The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) applauded the Innovation and Competitiveness Act announced today by House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and the Republican caucus. Rhett Dawson, president and CEO of ITI said the table is now set for action that supports American innovation. Dawson issued the following statement:

"The Republican leadership's competitiveness act will create jobs and keep the American tech industry vibrant and growing. We strongly support their effort to strengthen the country's high-tech foundation through expanded Health IT, improved math and science education and loan forgiveness. Increasing R&D funding and ending the patent fee diversion are tech priorities that will foster innovation and help keep jobs here in the U.S.

"Most of all, we are pleased that the GOP leadership has identified innovation as a top priority in the coming year. Leaders in both parties clearly recognize that the strength of the American economy is tied directly to the strength of American innovation. With competitiveness efforts announced by congressional Democrats, the White House and the Republican leadership, the time for action is now.

"Our message to the president and Congress is simple - let's work together to get a program done this year."

The Information Technology Industry Council (www.itic.org) 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 U.S. 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, AMD, Apple, Applied Materials, Canon U.S.A., Cisco, Corning, Dell, Eastman Kodak, eBay, EMC, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, Lexmark, Micron, Microsoft, National Semiconductor, NCR, Oracle, Panasonic, SAP, Sony Electronics, Sun Microsystems, Symbol Technologies, Tektronix, Texas Instruments, Time Warner, Unisys, Verisign and