Press Release
SIA Commends House Appropriations Committee for Supporting U.S. Innovation
For Immediate Release
June 26, 2008
San Jose, CA – June 25, 2008 – The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today praised House appropriators for approving significant increases for science and engineering research in the Energy & Water (E&W) and Commerce-Justice-State (CJS) appropriations bills for fiscal year (FY) 2009. SIA specifically applauded Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and Ranking Member Jerry Lewis (R-CA), E&W Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Peter Visclosky (D-IN) and Ranking Member David Hobson (R-OH), and CJS Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Alan Mollohan (D-WV) and Ranking Member Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) for championing the funding increases.
“The semiconductor industry applauds Representatives Obey, Lewis, Visclosky, Hobson, Mollohan and Frelinghuysen for their leadership in support of U.S. technological innovation and long-term economic growth,” said SIA President George Scalise. “The funding increases approved today for key science and engineering research programs are critical to maintaining American leadership in technology and strengthening our innovative capabilities. We are deeply grateful for the hard work and support of these congressional leaders.”
The FY 2009 E&W appropriations bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee today includes $4.86 billion for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
The FY 2009 CJS appropriations bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee today includes $6.9 billion for the National Science Foundation and $817 million for the National Institute of Technology and Standards.
For the last 50 years, U.S. leadership in technology has provided the foundation for increasing the productivity of American workers, improving our standard of living, advancing medical science and health care, and ensuring our national security. SIA will continue to advocate for increased funding for basic research programs as well the remaining components of its innovation agenda, including reforming the immigration system for highly educated workers and extending an enhanced R&D tax credit this year.
About the SIA
The SIA is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and has represented U.S. semiconductor companies since 1977. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic workforce of 216,000 people. More information about the SIA can be found atwww.sia-online.org.
For more information:
Semiconductor Industry Association
Ian Steff (SIA Washington Office)
202-429-1413
