Senators voice support for CTO nominee

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee postponed a confirmation vote today on federal chief technology officer nominee Aneesh Chopra to allow Chopra to respond to written questions from senators who did not attend a conformation hearing. Meanwhile, several senators who attended voiced support for Chopra.

A committee staff member said CTO nominee is expected to be confirmed by the committee with little, if any, opposition. The committee is expected to vote on Chopra’s nomination May 20, according to the staff member.

President Barack Obama nominated Chopra to serve as CTO and as an associate director for technology in the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) supported Chopra, saying, “As someone who has spent a great deal of time with Aneesh, keeping up with all his ideas, he is a bit of a whirlwind, and I know he will bring that same energy to this new position."

Chopra said he will work to “ensure every American can participate in our vibrant technology-based economy and that we thoughtfully apply emerging technologies to address our nation’s most pressing challenges.” 

Policies that encourage technological advances can “make jobs more plentiful, Americans more competitive, communications more affordable, broadband more abundant, families more connected and Americans more safe and secure,” he said.

Chopra identified health care and improving the energy grid as two areas where he would like to see technological advances.