Dreier Receives 100% Rating From Key Tech Group

October 22, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, was recognized recently as one of the most pro-technology Members of Congress with a 100% rating from the Information Technology Industrial Council (ITI). The ITI ratings were based on several key votes in the House of Representatives including education reform, expanded trade opportunities and enhanced cyber security.

"Increased technology and innovation will be critical to getting our economy back on track," Dreier said. "We must continue to pursue pro-growth policies that will help us sustain our position as the world’s technology leader, and expand our ability to send our products overseas. The passage of Trade Promotion Authority this year was an important step forward for our economy, as well as for our global leadership."

ITI listed as a major key vote Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), H.R. 3005, which was approved in August of this year. The Authority allows the President to negotiate trade agreements and bring them back to Congress for a simple up or down vote. Every President since Gerald Ford has had this authority, although it expired most recently in 1994. This year’s passage of TPA represented a major victory for America’s workers, farmers, businesses and consumers.

Another key vote listed by ITI was passage of President Bush’s landmark education reform legislation, The No Child Left Behind Act, H.R. 1. This bill was described as consistent with the ITI’s principles, including a meaningful system of annual testing aligned to high academic standards and an important focus on math and science education. The passage of H.R. 1 was the most significant education reform in a generation.

"Educating our children to be skilled workers and savvy consumers will build on our success as a leader in the global marketplace," Dreier said. "I applaud ITI for emphasizing the importance of these votes, and for recognizing the Members of Congress who cast votes in favor of economic growth and opportunity."