Technology
Ensign on the Issues
On February 17, 2009, digital television broadcasting (DTV) will replace the old analog broadcasting standard. This transition will enhance services to consumers, and it will improve communication between emergency responders. Many consumers will need a converter box to continue viewing television, but they may qualify for a $40 coupon toward the cost of this necessary equipment. Click here To learn more about DTV and to see whether you are ready for this exciting transition.
Technology is a critical component of America's economic future. In order to ensure continued innovation and competitiveness in this area, government must be responsive to the challenges confronting the technology sector.
Senator Ensign is continuing his leadership on technology issues as the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Innovation in the 110th Congress. In the 109th Congress, Senator Ensign was the Chairman of this Subcommittee. As Chairman, Senator Ensign held several hearings on issues of importance to the technology sector. These topics included
• Manufacturing Competitiveness in a High-Tech Era During the 108th and 109th Congresses, Senator Ensign was instrumental in the passage of legislation on the following topics: • Bringing $300 billion in foreign earnings to the United States In the 110th Congress, Senator Ensign has been one of the key leaders in the development and passage of the America COMPETES Act in the Senate. In addition, Senator Ensign is encouraging work on other top priorities of the technology community, which include: • Strengthening the Economy through Sensible Fiscal Policy Senator Ensign is working hard to ensure that the United States remains a global leader in innovation and technology. The American sense of entrepreneurship and invention, coupled with lawmakers who want to encourage growth and opportunity, will make certain that all Americans benefit from new technologies.
• Health Information Technology
• Importance of Basic Research
• Fostering Innovation in Math and Science Education
• Alternative Energy Technologies
• Innovation and Competitiveness Legislation
Senator Ensign's experience in Congress has taught him that all too often communication breaks down between government and private industry. The Republican High Tech Task Force was established to solve that problem by serving as a portal for those in the technology community, where their issues will be heard, addressed, and disseminated among other members of the United States Senate. During the 108th and 109th Congresses, Senator Ensign served as the Chairman of the High Tech Task Force. In the 110th Congress, the Senator will continue to play an active role as a Member of the High Tech Task Force.
• CAN-SPAM
• Moratorium on Internet Tax
• Spectrum Reallocation
• Satellite Home Viewer Act
• Digital TV Transition
• Eliminating Barriers to Innovation
• Making the Internet Tax Moratorium Permanent
• Protecting Americans from Malicious Computer Activity
• Establishing Communications Laws for the 21st Century
• Avoiding Government Competition with Private Industry
• Accelerating the Adoption of Health Information Technology
• Promoting Education and Technology
• Increasing Federal Support for Basic Research
• Safeguarding Copyright in the Digital Age
• Protecting Privacy and E-Commerce
• Enhancing Trade Opportunities for American Companies
• Fostering Emerging Technologies: Biotech and Nanotech
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Senator Ensign watches as President Bush signs into law the Dot Kids Bill. |
Senator Ensign with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. |
Senator Ensign is presented with the Digital Patriot Award. |
Resources
Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee
U.S. Senator John Ensign, Ranking Member
Senate Republican High Tech Task Force
U.S. Senator John Ensign, Member
The Broadband Consumer Choice Act of 2005
Related Records:
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