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Smith Leads New Democrats in Release of "e-genda 2003"

May 22, 2003

In the absence of attention to critical New Economy issues, the New Democrat Coalition today releases “e-genda 2003,” its fifth comprehensive technology policy agenda. The New Democrat Coalition is committed to continuing to lead the way in promoting policies to grow and expand the New Economy and to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed in it.

"We need a strategy that ensures America leads in the New Economy and that promotes job growth in this critical sector," said Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), NDC co-chair. "To do so, we have to encourage investment in new companies and new technologies. Our e-genda lays out a plan for doing just that."

Throughout the late 1990s, America experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity largely brought about by technology and the New Economy. But in 2002, for the first time since 1995, the number of high-tech jobs – some of the best-paid jobs in our country – decreased. In fact, since President Bush took office, high-tech jobs have decreased by almost 8 percent. Under the Bush Administration, New Economy companies not only are slow to hire workers, they are scaling back investment and R&D at an alarming pace. From 1993 to 2000, venture investment grew by 59 percent – creating jobs and new companies and making our nation the leader in the New Economy. Since 2001, there has been a 55 percent decline in venture investment – hurting our economy today but perhaps even worse, seriously jeopardizing it for the future.

“New Democrats have been advocating for meaningful growth and investment in the New Economy long before today's release, but right now, it’s more critical than ever. Without leadership on the part of the president or Congress, we won’t see a real reversal in the slide in the New Economy,” said NDC Communications Coordinator Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-Ore.). “With our e-genda, we’re taking the first steps to improve the situation.”

“The New Democrat Coalition’s e-genda provides fresh ideas and practical policies that can reboot America’s technology sector and recharge our nation’s economic engine,” said NDC co-chair Rep. Jim Davis (D-Fla.).

One of the items contained in the e-genda released today, is the New Democrat Coalition’s endorsement of the permanent moratorium on some Internet-taxes, H.R. 49, which goes before the House Judiciary Committee today for mark-up.

“New Democrat policies represent the best combination of reasonable, sustainable economic development and social responsibility,” said Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii). “These initiatives will implement what mainstream America seeks.”

The e-genda argues for a strong homeland security program, based on effective organization and oversight of the new Department of Homeland Security and the appropriate use of information sharing and technology to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist attacks. Homeland Security expert Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.) said “the New Democrats' plan will draw on the technology and expertise of the Bay Area, Silicon Valley and beyond to strengthen our homeland security. It's a positive step that the New Democrats are encouraging the Department of Homeland Security to tap into the wealth of technology at our national defense labs. And, I am optimistic that our push to get the government to develop a coordinated procurement strategy will help ensure common-sense buying, maximum interoperability and further stimulate economic recovery of the tech sector.”

“With deficits as far as the eye can see and an increasing jobless rate, the e-genda is a roadmap for job creation and the technologies we need to secure our homeland,” concurred Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.).

New Democrats believe that issues like education are also important to the growth of the New Economy: “In order to help all citizens be full participants in the New Economy, it is critical we recognize the opportunities of the high-tech economy and pursue policies that facilitate it,” said NDC co-chair Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wisc.). “As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I am proud our e-genda recognizes the necessity of investing in job training and education giving our children and our workers the tools to compete in the global marketplace.”

The New Democrat Coalition believes in a 21st century plan for growth that will:

  • Invest in education and a skilled workforce so that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed in the New Economy;
  • Foster the digital economy and digital government so that productivity and technology continue to be the engine of our economic growth and that Americans can participate in their democracy;
  • Promote innovation by ensuring our laws reflect the realities of the New Economy to unleash the potential to improve people’s lives and open doors to the future;
  • Promote global leadership to open overseas markets to American goods and services while addressing labor standards, environmental issues and responsible investment policies in the world economy; and
  • Enhance homeland security by creating public-private partnerships, utilizing technology, and creating a more streamlined, coordinated and accountable government.

Founded in 1997, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) is a group of centrist Democrats that has quickly grown to more than 70 members. Since its creation, two-thirds of Democrats elected to the House have joined the NDC, making it the largest and one of the most influential caucuses in the House.

For a full copy of e-genda 2003, visit the New Democrat Coalition online at: www.house.gov/adamsmith/NDC/ndc.html

Smith: Puget Sound Right Place for 7E7

May 16, 2003

Today, in response to the Boeing Company’s release of a list of criteria for site selection for assembly of the 7E7, Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) issued the following statement: 

“After seeing the criteria released today by the Boeing Company, I am more convinced than ever that the Puget Sound region is the right place for the 7E7 site.  Our region is attractive due to the first-class workforce, the strong community support for Boeing’s efforts, and our terrific ports, among other things.  I look forward to working with Boeing and our region’s leaders to ensure that Boeing builds the 7E7 here in the Puget Sound region and that the decades-long history of cooperation and partnership between Washington state and Boeing is strengthened in the 21st century.”

 

Smith Announces $9.9 Million for Sound Transit's Tacoma-Lakewood Commuter Rail

May 12, 2003

Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided $9,900,131 for New Start funds for station construction along the Tacoma-Lakewood commuter rail segment.  The project will include two stations in Tacoma and one station in Lakewood, in addition to a park and ride facility at 512.

“I am very excited about the Tacoma to Lakewood Sounder segment,” said Smith. “It’ll give South Sound residents a viable transit alternative for their daily commutes.  Step by step, our region is moving towards solving our transportation problems and today’s announcement is an important component in that effort.”
 

Smith Pleased Puget Sound Economic Development Getting Support From Feds

May 12, 2003

Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District’s applications for their economic development planning program and for an EDA direct investment. CEDC will receive $100,000 for program implementation and $96,000 to develop an economic cluster development plan for vacant areas adjacent to Sea-Tac Airport.

“The approval of these funds is great news for the Central Puget Sound area,” Smith said.  “The funding will allow the region to maintain its eligibility for EDA public works grants and other kinds of assistance.  Local communities can receive funding to strengthen their physical infrastructure, and create family-wage jobs for members of their community.  I expect to work closely with the Economic Development District on projects, like the Lakewood sewer, that are critical to our region.”

The EDA planning grant award will help the Economic Development District work with local governments and other economic development organizations to create family-wage jobs in the central Puget Sound region.  The Economic Development District will use the funds to help coordinate economic development in the region, provide technical assistance and prioritize public works projects within the region for EDA funding.  The grant award is especially critical now, when Washington state has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. 

The New Economic Strategy Triangle (NEST) initiative is a partnership between the cities of Des Moines, SeaTac and Burien, the Economic Development District and the Port of Seattle.  NEST will examine how to best use industrial and commercial properties near Sea-Tac International Airport and maximize their economic potential.

 

Smith Cosponsors Legislation to Promote American Jobs

May 8, 2003

Ninth District Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) announced today that he is co-sponsoring legislation to both bring the United States into compliance with World Trade Organization rulings and promote jobs in the United States.

H.R. 1769, The Job Protection Act of 2003, is a bipartisan bill led by Congressmen Phil Crane (R-Ill.) and Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.).  It would repeal the FSC/ETI (Foreign Services Corporation/Extraterritorial Income) and replace it with a domestic manufacturing and production income exclusion.

“Companies receiving tax benefits should be providing jobs to Americans,” Smith said.  “This bill addresses the FSC/ETI issue in a way that is fair and promotes job growth here in America.”

The World Trade Organization recently ruled that the U.S. FSC/ETI tax deduction was not in compliance because it unfairly promoted exports.  As of May 7, the European Union (EU) will be formally authorized to impose $4 billion in trade sanctions against the United States at any time.  Since the Bush Administration’s United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick has repeatedly said the issue could not be settled through negotiation, legislation repealing the FSC/ETI is necessary to prevent the EU’s trade sanctions.

House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) has promoted legislation that would repeal FSC/ETI and provide a new tax benefit primarily to multinational corporations.  Smith argues that approach rewards companies with large operations overseas and does nothing to help those companies that employ many Americans here at home and export their goods and services.

“This is a critically important issue, and the actions of Congress will have serious consequences,” said Smith.  “We must act to avoid trade sanctions which will hurt our already-fragile economy, businesses and workers; however, we must act wisely so that we don’t encourage businesses to move more operations overseas because of the way the tax code is structured.  This approach will allow us to avoid trade sanctions and will promote jobs here in the United States.  It’s a win-win for America.”

The Crane-Rangel bill is bipartisan and has the support of the majority of the Washington state delegation.  It is also supported by Boeing, Microsoft, and the AFL-CIO.

 

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