The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, regarding President Donald Trump's first address to a joint session of Congress:

"The positive mostly bi-partisan agenda laid out by President Trump tonight is a welcome contrast to the past policies which brought our nation almost a decade of sluggish growth and left millions behind.

“To grow our economy, create quality jobs and put America first, we need to recognize the fundamental tenants for growing a technology-driven innovation economy – an economy that now supports more than 15 million American jobs. That starts with embracing a merit-based immigration system that gives American companies the best talent so they can compete globally. The President’s visions to fix our nation’s crumbling infrastructure are wins for the business community, consumers and our nation’s future. His emphasis on a legal and regulatory system that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship will allow innovation to flourish from coast to coast. And his plan to reduce the corporate tax rate is indeed welcome, though reform should not include a border tax that will cost American families $1,700 apiece and hurt small businesses.

“Innovation also depends on trade. As the White House modernizes and develops an ambitious trade agenda, we hope it includes important issues to the tech community such as removing barriers to trade in digital and other goods and services.

“CTA stands ready to work with the Trump administration and Congress on these common areas that are the foundation of a thriving American economy."