General Joseph Dunford & Michael Morell Join National Security Advisory Board
WASHINGTON, DC – The American Edge Project (AEP), a coalition of two dozen domestic organizations, today announced that retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell, have joined its National Security Advisory Board.
Alongside existing AEP National Security Advisory Board member Frances F. Townsend, who served as White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor, the three provide counsel to the organization and promote the importance of maintaining our nation’s technological edge as foreign adversaries seek to dominate.
“As acting director of the CIA, I saw first-hand the vital role American technology plays in keeping our nation safe and secure. However, we must not take our leadership for granted. Across the world, our adversaries – namely China and Russia – are working hard to surpass the United States in developing the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow,” said former Deputy Director and Acting Director Morell. “That is why it’s so important that our elected leaders pursue policies that support American innovation and continue to foster a free and open Internet. We can’t allow our adversaries to win the tech race. America’s national and economic security depends on it.”
“America is fortunate to be home to the most innovative and successful tech sector in the world. Our technology companies strengthen national security, deter threats from abroad, and play a crucial role driving economic growth and prosperity,” said General Dunford. “While there is a genuine need for targeted regulation and policymaking, we can’t afford to have our policymakers adopt practices that unnecessarily hamper a U.S. industry so critical to American prosperity and security. I look forward to working with leaders in the public and private sector to ensure America maintains and strengthens its technological superiority for years to come.”
Doug Kelly, AEP’s CEO, added “This all-star team of experienced and respected national security experts will help articulate the security and economic dangers of surrendering America’s technological edge to foreign adversaries.”
BACKGROUND:
The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend leads the Project’s National Security Advisory Board. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board. Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information.
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