The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® will recognize U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY) as Digital Patriots during a bipartisan invitation-only awards dinner ceremony on Tuesday, April 18. The CTA Digital Patriot Award honors government leaders who champion policies vital to innovation in consumer technology and America’s global tech leadership. 

“We are thrilled to recognize Senator Wicker and Representative Clarke for their dedication to innovation and outstanding leadership on policies that support the American economy and critical issues in the technology industry from health equity to broadband access,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. 

The awards ceremony will take place during CTA’s Tech Week, which brings together lawmakers and technology companies to experience the latest tech innovations and discuss technology policy issues including broadband, self-driving vehicles, digital health and more. 

Senator Roger Wicker  

United States Senator Roger Wicker has represented Mississippi in the U.S. Senate since December 2007. Wicker is the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee for the 118th Congress. Wicker is also a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, having served previously as the chairman and ranking member for the 116th and 117th Congresses, respectively. During his time in the Senate, Wicker has championed pro-growth policies in Congress to create jobs and limit federal overreach. He has actively supported cancer survivorship programs and efforts to fight heart disease, diabetes, childhood obesity, and Alzheimer's. Wicker is being honored for his passionate advocacy in supporting telehealth and other advances in digital health innovation. 

Representative Yvette Clarke 

Yvette Clarke is Representative of the Ninth Congressional District of New York. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security. Clarke is the First Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and has been a member since coming to Congress in 2007. Clarke is a leader in the tech and media policy space as co-chair of the Smart Cities Caucus and co-chair of the Multicultural Media Caucus. Congresswoman Clarke believes smart technology will make communities more sustainable, resilient, and livable and works hard to ensure communities of color are not left behind while these technological advancements are made. Clarke formed the Multicultural Media Caucus to address diversity and inclusion issues in the media, telecom, and tech industries. Representative Clarke is being honored for her passionate advocacy in supporting broadband adoption, advancing digital equity, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in innovation. 

CONTACT: Media interested in complimentary registration for the Digital Patriots Dinner and Award Ceremony, should reach out to: Laura Ambrosio; lambrosio@cta.tech.