Council Talks with Rep. Doris Matsui about U.S. Competitiveness Legislation

The Bay Area Council Government Relations Committee held a special meeting with Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) on Wednesday (April 20) at law firm Hanson Bridgett. The discussion focused heavily on the American COMPETES Act, sweeping legislation to invest in U.S. competitiveness, communications, research and development and advanced manufacturing, and workforce training. Matsui was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve on the House-Senate conference committee that is working to reconcile the COMPETES Act with a version (U.S. Innovation and Competition Act) approved by the Senate. The Council expressed our support for including important immigration reforms in any final bill to address the nation’s urgent need for high-skilled workers—Matsui wholeheartedly agreed although including the reforms in any final legislation remains an uphill fight.

Matsui, who also serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, also discussed the ways climate change is increasing the risk of wildfires and flooding in her district. The discussion also touched on extension of the Bay Area’s economy into Sacramento, and the need to strengthen California’s business climate to bolster the state’s economy against competition from lower-cost states. To engage with the Council’s Government Relations Committee, please contact Senior Vice President, Public Policy Matt Regan.