Tech groups look ahead to changes on Senate panels

When Democrats take over key Senate committees come January, one of the biggest changes is expected to be oversight.

"We do have a system of government that provides checks and balances," said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. "A big challenge for the 110th Congress will be to do that."

He said oversight of the executive branch is not a partisan issue, and both parties likely would agree the Republican-led Congress has not provided much oversight of Republican President Bush lately. Rotenberg predicted that Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who is expected to head the Senate Judiciary Committee, "will be very good at that role."

For reasons unrelated to oversight, Leahy has long been a favorite of all different technology companies and groups, including AeA, the Business Software Alliance and the Information Technology Industry Council. They look forward to patent reform under his leadership and describe him as "an early tech champion" in Congress.

"What I like about Sen. Leahy is he is clearly a lifelong learner and has an open mind," said Gary Shapiro CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association.

That understanding of tech is something industry group CEOs wish they had on the Senate Commerce Committee. Tech groups do not predict a big change there as Daniel Inouye of Hawaii takes over the chairmanship from Ted Stevens, R-Alaska.

Inouye has a close relationship with Stevens. Both come from rural, outlying states, and both were World War II heroes. "We would like both to become more familiar with technology, but their [staffs are] engaged and willing to learn," Shapiro said.

David Wharton, a spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters, expects Senate Commerce to operate with Inouye and Stevens acting largely as co-chairman. "We believe Inouye has always recognized the value local broadcasters bring to cable companies, and we have great respect for Sen. Inouye," Wharton said.

Inouye has not said whether he will try to craft another comprehensive telecom bill. Stevens' attempt this year stalled.

The Senate Finance Committee is another example where the outgoing and incoming chairmen work closely together. Tech groups are optimistic that incoming Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., will support the research and development tax credit and free-trade policies. "He's been nothing but a friend to the tech industry," said Josh Ackil, a lobbyist for ITI.

BSA chief Robert Holleyman also said Joe Biden of Delaware who will chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has a history of supporting free trade but has the added bonus for the tech community as being the co-chairman of the Congressional Anti-Piracy Caucus.

"He's intellectual. He's bright. He understands the value of free trade," Shapiro added.

Holleyman said Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, who is expected to chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, knows the tech industry well and understands the role of cyber security in a broader security strategy.

Rotenberg said Lieberman is concerned about privacy and expects he will investigate Homeland Security Department procedures and plans.