On the recordOctober 4, 2011
I am introducing a very simple amendment. It is intended to protect American innovation and American jobs, and it is intended to make America more competitive and to create jobs here at home. In cases where technologies are developed with the support of the American taxpayer, my legislation prohibits companies from transferring the technology to countries that by law, practice or policy, require proprietary technology transfers as a matter of doing business. Specifically, it says: A country which, by law, practice or policy, is required to transfer proprietary technology or intellectual property as a condition of doing business in that country will not be the recipient of any of these technologies that were developed with the assistance of the American taxpayer. Quite simply, if taxpayers supported the development of the technology, they own a piece of it, and it can't just be given away. The transfer of publicly supported proprietary technologies by American firms to China, and potentially other countries, clearly and unequivocally places the competitive advantage of the American economy at risk. Our trade laws are designed in order to protect national security, but our economic security is also an element of our national security. Intellectual property in the civilian sector should also be protected. My amendment seeks to do that. I believe this is an issue every Senator can support. I thank the Presiding Officer and yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER.…
