“I am troubled by Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson’s ruling on the Microsoft case and by its potential chilling effect on the “new economy” and the technology industry at large. I plan to follow the remedies stage of this process very closely. 

In the time since the trial began, the technology industry has undergone great change and unprecedented growth. More than ever, the industry is vibrant and competitive: viable market alternatives have emerged, record levels of venture capital continue to flow into new technology start-ups and new innovations crop up almost daily. 

Microsoft has made significant contributions to our nation’s economy, to technological innovation and – perhaps most importantly – to the quality of life for American consumers. It is my hope and expectation that Microsoft will continue to be a leader and an innovator in tomorrow’s marketplace.”
 

Ninth District Congressman and New Democrat Coalition Communications Coordinator Adam Smith, joined by a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, today announced that he is an original co-sponsor of legislation to raise the H-1B caps and invest heavily in education and training efforts for U.S. workers.

“The strength of the U.S. economy, and the high-tech sector in particular, have led to a situation where we don’t have the people we need to fill highly-skilled jobs,” Smith said. “I believe that American companies should be able to recruit the best and the brightest from around the world to grow our economy, create jobs for American workers, and help us keep our competitive edge in the industries of the future.

“What’s more, the legislation doubles the H-1B employer fee to $1000 per visa, generating nearly $200 million annually in money for education and training,” Smith continued. “Those funds will be used for education and training programs to grow the next generation of highly-skilled Americans. The programs we’ve selected are aimed at bridging the digital divide, so that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed in the New Economy, encourage students to study math, science, and computer science, and retrain American workers.

I’m proud that Members of the New Democrat Coalition have worked to generate bipartisan, broad support for this legislation. I am hopeful that this bill will be passed quickly so that our technology industry continues to power our economic engine.”