Washington, DC: Today, the members of the House Republican Leadership, including Minority Leader John Boehner, Republican Whip Roy Blunt, Republican Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor, Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam and High-Tech Working Group Chairman Bob Goodlatte, along with other technology-focused Members of Congress sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging the House Leadership to take up several issues of critical importance to our nation’s high-tech competitiveness.

The House Republican High Tech Working Group (HTWG) called on House Democrats to put politics aside and act on legislation to permanently extend the Internet Tax Moratorium before it expires on November 1, 2007, expand the R&D tax credit before the current credit expires at the end of this year, enact legislation that allows U.S. companies to attract and retain high-skilled workers to contribute and excel in the U.S. economy without unnecessary delays and waiting periods, and pass electronic medical health records legislation.

“The technology sector has served as the engine of America’s economic growth in recent years and Republicans have led the way in advancing the high-tech agenda,” said Goodlatte.  “The House Republican High Tech Working Group is committed to continue moving forward on these issues, which have attracted significant bipartisan support in the past and are of significance for all Americans.  It is time for Speaker Pelosi to act on these vitally important high-tech issues, which will help America’s businesses and consumers continue to enjoy the benefits that a robust, innovation-driven economy offers and ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the world in innovation.”

“The Democratic Majority is holding key priorities important to the high-tech community hostage,” said Leader Boehner.  “These four important initiatives will strengthen the economy, remove barriers to innovation and improve quality of life, and Speaker Pelosi should bring these measures to the House floor immediately.”

The HTWG was formed in 1998 by then-Speaker Newt Gingrich and is composed of some 50 Republican Members of Congress, including House Leadership and Ranking Members of Committees which have primary jurisdiction over a wide-array of technology issues.

The full text of the letter is attached.