Methodology

Candidates were evaluated on publicly available actions and statements. Actions (co-sponsorship of bills, votes, letters) were weighted more heavily than statements. Some bills were weighted more heavily than others, depending on their provisions and their impact on the startup community. Candidates with no record on one or more of the issues in a category were graded incomplete for that category. Issue-specific details below.

Broadband Access & Infrastructure

Candidates were graded based on their positions on:

• Open Internet: Does the candidate support net neutrality?

• Access: Does the candidate support policy and investments to expand and improve internet connectivity (e.g. spectrum policy, municipal broadband, infrastructure improvements)?

Key bills:

• No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act

• 2011 Anti-Net Neutrality Resolution

Intellectual Property

Candidates were graded based on their positions on:

• Patent Reform: Does the candidate support reform to weaken patent trolls and improve patent quality?

• Copyright: Does the candidate support a balanced approach to copyright that encourages openness and innovation?

Key bills:

• The Innovation Act

• The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act

• The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP Act (PIPA)

Data Security & Privacy

Candidates were graded based on their positions on:

• Encryption: Does the candidate recognize the importance of strong encryption?

• Privacy and Surveillance: Does the candidate support reforming and modernizing government surveillance laws?

Key bills:

• Feinstein-Burr Compliance with Court Orders Act of 2016

• Warner-McCaul Digital Security Commission Act

• USA Freedom Act

Talent

Candidates were graded based on their positions on:

• Immigration Reform: Does the candidate support expanding opportunities for global technical talent and entrepreneurs to work in U.S.?

• Education and Workforce Development: Does the candidate support expanding STEM education and tech-oriented workforce training?

Key bills:

• Startup Act

• I-Squared Act

• Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (Comprehensive Immigration Reform)

Grading Scale

A = Great! Supportive and understanding of the issue.

B = Good, but room for improvement or clarification of position.

C =Mixed record on the issue.

D = Bad. Has expressed problematic positions on the issue.

F = Failing. Shows no understanding or complete lack of support.

Incomplete = Not enough information to provide a clear grade.