As House Democratic members meet this week to outline strategies on important policy issues, the Information Technology Industry Council is urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to ensure the House addresses key priorities aimed at helping to spur innovation and economic growth, including extension of the research and development tax credit. The credit expired at the end of December when the Senate failed to take up legislation that would extend it and other tax breaks for another year.

"We urge you to expand and extend the research and development credit which has already expired. Congress took a modest step by slightly expanding the credit in the last Congress, and we encourage you to make a further expansion as soon as possible," ITIC CEO Dean Garfield wrote in a letter Wednesday to Pelosi. He also urged her to work with Ways and Means Committee leaders to advance legislation "to bring our tax rates in line with our global competitors' rates."

The group also called on lawmakers to develop comprehensive plans to increase broadband deployment and adoption; spur the growth of health information technology and provide investments in a "smart" electric grid and renewable energy. In addition, ITIC said it would like to see action on immigration and education legislation to ensure that the "best and brightest" foreigners can remain in the United States and also provide domestic workers with the skills they need to fill 21st century jobs. In addition, Garfield urged lawmakers to act on several pending free trade agreements.

"We believe all of these recommendations can and should be advanced this year, and we stand ready to work with you and your colleagues to make significant progress," he wrote.