Re: Introduction of S 2045 IS, the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act.
Date: February 9, 2000.
Source: Congressional Record.
| Statement in
Congressional Record by Sen. Phil
Gramm (R-TX). Re: Introduction of S 2045 IS, the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act. Date: February 9, 2000. Source: Congressional Record. |
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Mr. GRAMM. Mr. President, today I am proud to join in the introduction of legislation which will increase the number of H-1B temporary work visas used to recruit and hire workers with very specialized skills, particularly in high technology fields. This bill will ensure that the dramatic U.S. economic expansion will not be stalled by a lack of skilled workers in critical positions. It retains the language of current law which protects qualified U.S. workers from being displaced by H-1B visa holders.
With record low unemployment, U.S. companies already have been forced to slow their expansion or even to cancel projects, and some may be forced to move their operations overseas because of an inability to find qualified individuals to fill job vacancies. We will achieve our full economic potential only if we ensure that high-technology companies can find and hire the people whose unique qualifications and skills are critical to America's future.
Last year, the Congress temporarily increased the number of annual H-1B visas from 65,000 to 115,000 for Fiscal Years 1999 and 2000, and to 107,500 in 2001. The number of H-1B visas is scheduled to drop back to 65,000 for Fiscal Year 2002 and subsequent years. Our legislation will increase the H-1B visa cap to 195,000 for Fiscal Years 2000, 2001, and 2002. By the end of that period, we will have the data we need to make an informed decision on the number of such visas required beyond 2002.
According to a recent study by the American Electronics Association (AEA), Texas has the fastest growing high technology industry in the country and is second only to California in the number of high technology workers. This legislation would ensure that these companies have access to highly educated workers, in order that America can continue to grow and prosper, and in doing so, create more jobs and opportunity for U.S. workers.
I believe that this legislation represents a fair and effective way to address a critical need in our Nation's economy, and I hope my colleagues will quickly approve this important proposal.