The ITServe Alliance, the largest U.S. association representing IT solutions and services firms, has scheduled its next Capitol Hill Day for September 18, 2024. The event aims to boost the organization’s influence in shaping key technology-related legislation.
Nayan Joshi, Director of the ITServe Alliance Policy Advocacy Committee, underscored the event’s role in enhancing the organization’s visibility and effectiveness within Congress. “Our goal is to make ITServe more prominent and impactful on Capitol Hill,” Joshi said.
The upcoming Capitol Hill Day builds on the success of the 2023 event, which marked ITServe’s first in-person advocacy day. That gathering saw significant participation from nearly 180 U.S. Representatives and Senators, who showed strong bipartisan support for ITServe’s agenda. This backing has spurred increased political engagement and advocacy efforts, according to a press release from ITServe.
Amar Varada, Chair of ITServe’s Governing Board, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to its members. “Our mission is to advocate for policies that support innovation and job creation within the U.S.,” Varada said. “Through our efforts on Capitol Hill and with the Administration, we strive to safeguard the interests of our members.”
Capitol Hill Day will also focus on critical legislative issues such as the HIRE ACT Bill, which addresses the H-1B visa cap and STEM education funding through the “American Ingenuity Account.” Jagadeesh Mosali, ITServe’s President, emphasized the importance of the event in informing lawmakers about the challenges faced by the IT sector. “It’s essential for the U.S. to maintain its leadership in technology and innovation,” Mosali said.
The organization’s strategic approach includes educating, lobbying, and litigating on behalf of its members. Board Director Gopi Kandukuri noted that these efforts are crucial for addressing the challenges faced by IT companies and the broader economy. Kris Gadde, another Board Director, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Capitol Hill Day is a vital platform for advocating on key issues.
The press release also addressed the role of foreign workers in the U.S. labor market, particularly in technology. With the high demand for H-1B visas exceeding the available supply, there is a call to increase the visa cap. Research indicates that H-1B workers not only fill critical gaps but also contribute to job creation and economic growth, with projections suggesting a potential $158 billion boost to GDP by 2045 if the cap is raised.
ITServe Alliance, representing over 2,600 member companies, encourages active participation from its members in Capitol Hill Day. Anju Vallabhaneni, President-Elect, and Hima Kolanagireddy, Managing Director of CPAC, both emphasized the importance of grassroots advocacy in achieving favorable policy outcomes.
Since its establishment in 2010, ITServe has been a key player in advocating for the interests of small and mid-sized IT firms across the U.S., through a combination of advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement.
Source: The American Bazaar
