WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the 118th session of Congress convenes, the American Edge Project (AEP), a coalition of nearly two dozen domestic organizations, today released a new toolkit outlining the importance of supporting and strengthening American technological innovation and why lawmakers must look to smart policy solutions that strengthen America’s ability to compete on the global stage.
“American technology and innovation aren’t just components of our economy; they are the very backbone of our national security, economic prosperity, small business success, and advancement of our democratic values,” said Doug Kelly, CEO of American Edge. “U.S. competitiveness and exceptionalism depend on our ability to strengthen our domestic technological leadership. Misguided policies that weaken America’s tech innovators undermine the foundation that has propelled the United States to be a global tech leader. The stakes are too high for Congress to get this wrong.”
The toolkit highlights how domestic technology and innovation have protected Americans, helped spread democratic values, and strengthened the U.S. economy and small businesses. It outlines the importance of maintaining America’s edge and how U.S. leadership in this critical space is no longer guaranteed, especially as competition from foreign adversaries, namely China, continues to grow.
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About the American Edge Project
The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) serves as the Chair of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board. Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information.