FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: Bush Failing to Invest in America’s Future

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on competitiveness in response to President Bush’s visit to Silicon Valley.  A list of some of the validators for the Democrats’ Innovation Agenda, including Cisco Systems, Inc. CEO, John Chambers, follows.

“Last November, House Democrats launched our Innovation Agenda: A Commitment to Competitiveness to Keep America #1.  Many of President Bush’s ideas on competitiveness are similar to the proposals in Democrats’ Innovation Agenda.  Unfortunately, the American people are getting more of the same from the President – failure to follow through with the investment necessary to advance a domestic initiative critical to the nation’s future.

“More than two months ago, I called on the President to hold a bipartisan meeting of Congressional leaders to advance this high priority agenda for our country.  We must move forward – nothing short of America’s economic leadership in the world is at stake.”

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What Industry and Academic Leaders Are Saying about House Democrats’

‘Innovation Agenda: A Commitment to Competitiveness to Keep America #1’

John Chambers, President and CEO, Cisco Systems, Inc:

“The Innovation Agenda focuses on the right issues for building on our nation's competitiveness - from investing in basic R&D, expanding science and math education and broadband infrastructure, to creating a globally competitive business environment.  This agenda thoughtfully addresses how government can best play a role in improving our economic competitiveness by focusing on innovation. I look forward to working with both sides of the aisle to implement these laudable goals." 

John Doerr, TechNet Co-Founder and a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers:

“This comprehensive innovation agenda will benefit every American – especially our kids.  It is original, vital, and desperately needed.  Let’s set aside partisan differences to keep America #1” 

William T. Archey, President and CEO of the American Electronics Association (AeA):

“We are impressed with both the content and the nonpartisan tone of this initiative.  It is clear this initiative is a major step forward in pushing the debate on competitiveness both within Congress and the nation.  Since releasing our February 2005 report, Losing the Competitive Advantage?, AeA has been aggressively asserting that America faces a new set of competitive challenges.  Ironically, these challenges result from the fact that other countries are following the U.S. blueprint for fostering innovation and becoming competitive, while we as a nation have neglected that blueprint.  We are encouraged that leading Members of both parties comprehend the gravity of this problem.  To succeed, we need a bipartisan consensus as soon as possible on how to address the challenges of maintaining American competitiveness.  AeA is mobilizing its nationwide grassroots organization to communicate the urgency of these issues to the American people.  The competitiveness debate cannot remain inside the beltway.  Those most affected by the challenges of a changing world are not just the U.S. tech industry, but also parents, educators, and – most importantly – our children.  It is their jobs, their prosperity, and their futures that are at stake.”

Harris N. Miller, President of the Information Technology Association of America:

“Congratulations to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other House Democrats for sounding the themes that most resonate in a tech-driven economy.  From competitive workforce to widely accessible broadband, the Innovation Agenda has captured issues that can move the American people forward.  We urge House Democrats to work with their counterparts on the other side of the aisle to pass legislation that translates these excellent ideas into practical actions.”

To see House Democrats’ Innovation Agenda, click here: http://www.housedemocrats.gov/news/librarydetail.cfm?library_content_id=557

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi