The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), on the passing of Sen. John McCain.

"Not only was Sen. McCain an American hero, he was a forceful champion of technology and innovation. Under his chairmanship, the Commerce Committee drove the rollout of HDTV, initiated the auction of unused television broadcast spectrum and successfully fought to keep the internet free of all federal taxes.

"Sen. McCain was principled, honorable and put country before self-interest. We could use more people like him in our public life. Our sincere condolences go out to his family."

In 2005, Gary Shapiro presented Sen. McCain with the Academy of Digital Television Pioneers award for Best Government DTV Leadership.