The following statement is attributable to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, following today’s passage of the STEM Jobs Act in the House of Representatives:

“We thank the House for passing the STEM Jobs Act. It is clearly in our national interest to not only attract the world’s best and brightest to our universities but also to allow those who receive STEM graduate degrees to stay here and start companies or fill open jobs in companies requiring highly-trained workers. Today, we kick these people out and they become our competitors.

“We are disappointed that the short time frame and opposition from the White House will likely prevent final enactment this year. We hear from both political parties that they agree that we need to work toward a solution to allow the U.S. to attract the world’s best and brightest. More Americans with advanced STEM degrees means more jobs for all Americans. We look forward to working with Congress on this issue.”

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $206 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CEAfeed, http://twitter.com/ceafeed, http://blog.ce.org/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 2013 International CES
  January 8-11, 2013, Las Vegas, NV