On the recordSeptember 24, 1998
H-1B visas have played a crucial role in America's vibrant economy. During the past 3 years, the high-tech industry has contributed over 3.5 million jobs to the U.S. economy and has accounted for a 27 percent increase in our gross national product. Human and intellectual capital fuel this industry, and a small but critical element of the high-tech workforce consists of foreign-born workers holding H-1B visas. H.R. 3736 will temporarily raise the annual cap on H-1B visas in order to lessen the shortage of high-tech workers. As cochairman of the Speaker's High Technology Working Group, I recognize America's strong interest in ensuring that our policies encourage the continued growth of technology while promoting the strength of the national economy as a whole. This is an issue of international competitiveness. Our ability to hire the best and the brightest is essential if America is to remain the global leader in technology.
Source
govinfo.gov
