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The latest from our friends at
the Digital Opportunity Investment Trust, of which DLF is an ally.
DO IT Concept Supported by Many on Commerce and Still
in Play as Budget Process Continues
Dear Members of Digital Promise:
This has been a
rollicking fall on Capitol Hill as all who are watching know, but through the
mighty efforts of our coalition leadership DO IT has gained additional and quite
extraordinary support and we have made headway with the legislation in spite of
the strict budget process that is still underway.
Of particular note is
that Internet Pioneer Vint Cerf, a Presidential Medal of Freedom Award winner
for being one of the original founders of the Internet, has added his voice in
strong support of creating DO IT in a recent letter to House Commerce Committee
Chairman Joe Barton (letter attached).
In his letter Mr. Cerf says that DO IT can yield enormous public
benefits and would reshape learning opportunities for all Americans; he clearly
points out that a focused federal research investment in DO IT is essential for
maintaining America’s economic leadership and security. We urge you to read the letter and use it as
part of any communications you are planning with your elected officials or
association membership. This letter is particularly helpful in answering the
question of why investment in R&D for DO IT must be made even when facing
budget shortfalls, disaster relief and war spending.
The DTV bill currently
included in the overall Budget Reconciliation package is a sparse budget
vehicle that does not contain DO IT or any other new policy initiatives.
Predictions on whether the Budget Reconciliation bill will pass change every
day and in anticipation of a stalemate, both House and Senate Commerce
Committees are gearing up for new comprehensive telecommunications policy work
that represents another excellent opportunity to launch DO IT.
Awareness
and support for DO IT by all Commerce Committee Members is increasing. A provision to help launch
DO IT was included in early versions of the current DTV bills in both the House
and Senate. But we need
your help to build this growing bipartisan group of DO IT supporters on the key
Committees. If you are represented by a Member of the House or Senate Commerce
Committees (see attached list) we urgently ask that you review the sample letters
(attached) and send a personalized
version to your Representative/Senator. Better yet, a personal phone call or meeting
in addition to written communication would be enormously meaningful at this
time. All Members will be returning to their districts first for Thanksgiving
and then for the winter holidays. Adding your voice at this
time is absolutely critical!
If you have any questions, concerns or want the very latest information
we can provide, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [log in to unmask]
Again, thank you for all of your help!
Larry Grossman & Newt Minow
Co-Chairmen
Anne Murphy
Director
Rayne Guilford
Deputy Director
Digital Promise Project