ARLINGTON, VA -- The Consumer Electronics Association this week applauded President Barack Obama for his focus on reducing the federal deficit as a critical component to addressing the fiscal problems facing the country. CEA believes the ballooning deficit is a principal impediment to long-term economic growth, the trade group said.

CEA is urging the federal government to reduce the deficit by committing to the follow actions:

• End corporate bailouts, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program, that artificially prop up industries, and end “Buy American” and other bailout provisions that reward backward protectionist policies that will hurt America’s ability to compete in the global economy.

• Oppose the Employee Free Choice Act, or “card check,” and other anti-business measures that hurt American employers and infringe on the rights of workers.

• Pass pending free trade agreements, particularly those with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, to boost U.S. exports and let American companies fairly compete with their international trading partners.

• Support the free and open market and promote technology innovation by U.S. companies. When aided by trade, the technology industry will help mend the global economy and drive the creation of new jobs.