The House of Representatives Hits the Ground Running on Innovation and Tech Legislation

When it comes to technology and innovation, the House of Representatives started 2017 on a positive note.

At the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC), we’re all about promoting the role of technology in our economy and advocate for rational policy solutions that drive economic growth, spur innovation, and create jobs.

Recently, the House passed a series of much-needed bipartisan legislation that builds upon previous work to modernize government and meet the needs of today’s innovation-driven economy. It deserves credit.

Women will play an important role in the 21st century workforce. Congress recognized that this week when it passed the INSPIRE Women Act (H.R. 321) to recruit women into STEM fields and encourage their research and work in technology.

With the HALOS Act (H.R. 79), the House removed an important burden to allow for angel investors to support startups – a huge growth sector in our economy.

Thanks to the Modernizing Government Travel Act (H.R. 274), government employees will soon be able to travel smarter and more cost effectively, saving taxpayer money thanks to a bill modernizing work travel.

Lastly, with the Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2017 (H.R. 239), the Department of Homeland Security is now a few steps closer to being able to utilize the best and brightest within agencies and industries to help combat the ever-growing cyber security threats to both government and business.

This package is what innovation is all about – working smarter to meet the needs of tomorrow. C_TEC applauds the House of Representatives for their commitment to creating an environment for innovation to thrive demonstrated by their expediency in passing these important pieces of legislation. We look forward to the Senate doing the same and then working with both industry and government to ensure their effectives in agencies and the private sector.