Joint Statement With ITI On Founding Of Congressional Digital Trade Caucus

BECKERMAN AND GARFIELD: “Digital trade is the thoroughbred of the American economy. It is powering growth across the economy – for businesses large and small – and it is the source of the nation’s massive digital trade surplus. We are thrilled that members of Congress recognize the importance of digital trade for the U.S. economy. This caucus will be a great opportunity to convene, discuss and inform on these issues. We thank Reps. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) for leading the launch of this forward-looking caucus and we look forward to working with them on this issue.”

WASHINGTON, DC – ITI and Internet Association today applauded a bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined together to launch the congressional Digital Trade Caucus, which will serve to inform their colleagues on the powerful role digital trade plays in powering the U.S. economy. Reps. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) will serve as co-chairs of the caucus and have said over 20 lawmakers have signaled their intent in joining the caucus.

ITI President and CEO Dean Garfield, and Internet Association President and CEO Michael Beckerman, encouraged lawmakers to join the caucus and help shape future trade negotiations on key issues like maintaining the free and open internet, promoting e-commerce, and enabling cross-border data flows:

“Digital trade is the thoroughbred of the American economy. It is powering growth across the economy – for businesses large and small – and it is the source of the nation’s massive digital trade surplus. We are thrilled that members of Congress recognize the importance of digital trade for the U.S. economy. This caucus will be a great opportunity to convene, discuss and inform on these issues. We thank Reps. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) for leading the launch of this forward-looking caucus and we look forward to working with them on this issue.”

Digital trade is a key issue for ITI and IA and the technology companies they represent. The two organizations are committed to supporting policies that reduce barriers to digital trade and promote e-commerce in order to continue creating U.S. jobs, and increasing U.S. economic growth.

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