Software.org Congressional Staff Delegation Visits Seattle

August 18, 2022

By Gideon Lett

Software.org: the BSA Foundation completed its congressional staff delegation trip to Seattle last week. With a focus on digital transformation across sectors and government, participants heard directly from industry executives and experts about the impact of software-enabled technologies on businesses, the economy, and society.

Participants enjoyed visits to company facilities and took part in special program elements highlighting the positive impacts of digital transformation. The group also toured the Port of Seattle and engaged in a working dinner discussing the intersection of technology and supply chains. At Pike Place Market, the delegation heard first-hand from local merchants about how small businesses leveraged technology during the pandemic to survive and digitally transform. And a dinner conversation with industry and academic leaders engaged participants in a lively conversation about the evolution and promise of artificial intelligence for business and society.

Software.org strives to ensure bipartisanship and diversity for these important experiences. The representative list below of senior-level House staffers spans key committees, leadership, and member offices relevant to digital transformation across sectors:

Committee on Energy & Commerce – Staff Director
Committee on Financial Services – Senior Counsel
Committee on Homeland Security – General Counsel
Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, & Innovation – Professional Staff Member
Committee on Oversight & Reform – Policy Director
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure – Professional Staff Member
House Republican Conference – Policy Advisor
Office of Rep. Colin Allred (TX) – Legislative Director
Office of Rep. Ann Kuster (NH) – Legislative Director
Office of Rep. Doris Matsui (CA) – Chief of Staff
Office of Rep. Brad Schneider (IL) – Legislative Assistant
Office of Rep. Marc Veasey (TX) – Tech Policy Advisor

Software.org did a great job lining up an impressive group of stakeholders in Seattle. Each meeting was both relevant and unique- I felt our time was used very effectively. This trip is very timely and appropriate for all Hill staffers working on cyber, tech, and other national security issues.Professional Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security

Through the Software.org trip, I gained a deeper understanding of the ways in which software is, and will continue to, alter our economy through providing greater efficiency. I also gained a broad understanding of the current cyber threats facing our nation, and the steps that the private sector is taking to head off such threats.House Republican Leadership Staffer

Software.org looks forward to hosting its next congressional staff delegation on October 12-14 in San Francisco, where digital transformation across sectors and government will again be the focus. Please contact me directly at gideon@software.org to learn more about getting involved in Software.org: the BSA Foundation.

Special thanks to the supporters of Software.org: the BSA Foundation.