Goodlatte, Leahy and Thune Announce Congresswoman Eshoo as New Co-chair of Congressional Internet Caucus

Press Release

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) has become the new Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus, which is also co-chaired by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator John Thune (R-SD). The ascension of Congresswoman Eshoo to the leadership of one of the most active and prestigious caucuses in Congress reinforces the bi-partisanship that has been the hallmark of the Congressional Internet Caucus for its nearly 15 years of existence. Congresswoman Eshoo fills the vacancy left by former Representative Rick Boucher, a founding co-chair of the Caucus, who was among the most technology savvy Members of Congress.

"I am particularly excited to welcome Congresswoman Eshoo as our House Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus," said Congressman Bob Goodlatte. "I have known Congresswoman Eshoo for many years and have always enjoyed working with her on technology issues. Through her extensive work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee she is sure to bring a unique perspective to the leadership of the Internet Caucus."

Congresswoman Eshoo joins Senator Leahy as the second Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus. Congresswoman Eshoo has shown leadership on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee in the past and has sponsored legislation to promote the Internet.

"I am pleased to welcome Representative Anna Eshoo as the newest co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus," said Senator Leahy. "I know that my fellow co-chairs, Senator Thune and Representative Goodlatte, share my excitement about working closely with Representative Eshoo during the 112th Congress. I am eager to work with the Caucus co-chairs and members of both parties to explore initiatives to help promote American innovation and help create American jobs."

"I welcome Representative Eshoo as the newest co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus and I look forward to working with her," said Sen. Thune, the Republican Senate co-chair.
"As the representative of the innovation capital of our country, Silicon Valley, it is an honor to join Rep. Goodlatte, Senator Leahy, and Senator Thune as co-chairs of the Congressional Internet Caucus," Rep. Eshoo said. "I look forward to working together to address the complex issues facing access, innovation, and the prosperity of the Internet."

The Congressional Internet Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 150 members of the House and Senate working to educate their colleagues about the promise and potential of the Internet. The Caucus is celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2011. Its goals include:

* Promoting the growth and advancement of the Internet
* Providing a bicameral, bipartisan forum for Internet concerns to be raised
* Promoting the education of Members of Congress and their staff on Internet-related issues
* Promoting commerce and the free flow of information on the Internet
* Advancing the United States' leadership in the digital world
* Maximizing the openness of and participation in government by the people.