Bush Indicates Continued Concern for American Competitiveness.

SIA Calls for Bipartisan Support for Key Elements of the Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda to Promote Technology Leadership

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Commenting on tonight's State of the Union speech, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) expressed strong support for the President's continued commitment to No Child Left Behind as a key element of the Competitiveness Initiative. "The President's dedication to No Child Left Behind demonstrates his continued concern for America's competitiveness," said SIA President George Scalise. "Strengthening our children's education, particularly in math and science, is key to ensuring our nation's legacy as the innovation leader. We must also renew our government's commitment to funding basic research and encouraging private investment in research through R&D tax credit reform."

Remarking on the immigration reforms the President presented in his speech, Scalise also expressed the need to embrace immigration policies that welcome highly skilled workers, including scientists and engineers educated at U.S. universities.

SIA also praised the President's recognition of the important role technology will play in addressing America's energy challenges. "The President's statement regarding the role of technology in energy efficiency and alternative energy sources underscores the importance of innovation to our nation's strength and security," said Scalise. "The President also noted that better use of information technology can help to control costs and reduce errors in medical care.

"In 2006, we witnessed almost unprecedented consensus on the need to renew America's commitment to basic research, math and science education, the promotion of private research and development, and immigration policies that welcome the highly educated," Scalise continued. "The President's comments tonight and those by Speaker Pelosi last week illustrate that fostering innovation is still an area of shared concern. Congress could set an excellent example of bipartisan cooperation by acting expeditiously on legislation to enhance our nation's innovative capabilities. We have a national consensus, and consensus should lead to action," Scalise concluded.

About the SIA

The SIA is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and has represented U.S semiconductor companies since 1977 and SIA member companies comprise more than 85% of the U.S. semiconductor industry. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic workforce of nearly 235,000 people. More information about the SIA can be found at www.sia-online.org.