Arlington, VA – 02/13/2013 – The following statement is attributable to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, regarding tonight’s State of the Union address:
 
“We welcome the president’s call for policies that will once again make America the magnet for the world’s best, brightest and most entrepreneurial individuals. It is imperative that we fix America’s broken immigration system, which is currently locking out the next generation of brilliant innovators. This sense of urgency is shared by the White House and congressional leaders of both parties. We urge Congress to move forward, not let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and enact smart, strategic immigration reform as soon as possible.
 
“CEA also applauds the president’s call for an increased effort to encourage U.S. manufacturing. CEA believes the administration can best encourage U.S. manufacturing by supporting changes to the tax laws allowing repatriation and lower corporate tax rates, reducing the increasing regulatory burden, and advocating for changes to the pro-litigation atmosphere faced by every U.S. company.”