Congressman Ralph Hall Addresses Roundtable of Chamber Technology Executives

U.S. Congressman Ralph M. Hall visited the Chamber’s Technology Legislative Task Force in a roundtable breakfast discussion on October 2 at the offices of Baker Botts LLP. Congressman Hall briefed the Task Force on the current technology initiatives in Congress, including funding for research and development, the international space station, funding for small technology businesses, cybersecurity, and nanotechnology.

While the Congressman began his address explaining that Congress is deeply divided on many key issues, he spoke of his dedication to bipartisanship and shared candid stories on his experiences in Congress since 1980. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, he stated that “keeping America, and our region, competitive is absolutely essential to continued job and economic growth.”

During his remarks, Congressman Hall also focused on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program reauthorization legislation. The Chamber has been a long-time supporter of this program, as it provides critical funding for start-up technology and life science companies to conduct research and development activities. Congress passed legislation this summer extending the SBIR program through the end of October. Congressman Hall was involved in active negotiations between the House and Senate on crafting the SBIR reauthorization bill, S. 1929. This bill passed the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Obama on October 30.

Other issues Hall discussed included the America Competes Act, which “has put U.S. research on a path to double in near future” and the international space station. Congressman Hall is working to save the international space station due to the important international partners that the United States has developed through it. Challenges exist in keeping the station open; however, and additional funding needed to continue operations.

The Technology Business Council will continue to monitor these issues moving forward and will keep our membership informed of major developments.

For more information on this issue or the Technology Legislative Task Force, please contact Jane Edson at jedson@dallaschamber.org or (214) 712-1937.