New Democrat Coalition Releases Technology Task Force Goals for the 116th Congress

The New Democrat Coalition Technology Task Force announced its goals for the 116th Congress, saying it will place an emphasis on fostering innovation while improving the nation’s technological infrastructure and updating privacy protections.

“Technology is changing the world and enhancing our lives every day,” said Representative Darren Soto, D-N.J., a co-chair of the task force “Congress must ensure our laws and values keep up with this ever-evolving policy area, always with the best interests for our constituents in mind.”

Representative Harley Rouda, D-Calif., takes the challenge of moving the nation forward in this area personally.

As a one-time technology entrepreneur, he said, “I watched industry glide into the 21st century while our public policy remained stuck in the 20th.

“Every generation of American parents has managed to create more opportunity and prosperity for their kids than they had,” Rouda continued. “We risk being the first generation to break the pattern if we don’t harness technology to work for our economy instead of against it.”

For Representative Kendra Horn, D-Okla., a critical issue is the need to expand access to broadband internet to rural communities.

“Although the opportunities and challenges are different in Oklahoma and other places, one of the critical issues facing rural communities is broadband. Improving connectivity not only provides new opportunities for education, health care and jobs, it’s also critical for keeping our communities strong and ensuring everyone moves forward together,” she said.

Meanwhile, Representative Sharice Davids, D-Kan., said it’s important to always remember America’s technological future should be everyone’s concern.

“The New Dems have a strong reputation for reaching across the aisle to get things done, and I’m ready to develop bipartisan, commonsense policy solutions that help the American people in the 21st century economy,” Davids said.