House Democrat examining H-1Bs is a former Microsoft VP; husband is a current president
Source: Seattle Times
U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene understands Microsofts need for temporary work visas for skilled foreigners probably as well as anyone in Congress and what she doesnt know she could just ask her husband. DelBene, a freshman Democrat from Medina, is a former Microsoft executive who bankrolled her two congressional races with her high-tech wealth. Her husband, Kurt, is president of Microsofts Office Division, one of the companys biggest business units.
Now DelBene sits on the House Judiciary Committee with jurisdiction over immigration laws, an issue of keen interest to Microsoft and other companies seeking to bring in more educated foreign workers from India, China and elsewhere.
... She sees no conflict between her background and the role she may play in shaping immigration legislation, including the H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers. Ethics watchdogs agree, though they caution that her extensive ties to Microsoft should temper her involvement on the issue.
... DelBene put in $2.8 million of her own money for her second, successful run for Congress last year. Microsoft executives and employees, including Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, were her second-biggest source of cash, chipping in $132,200.
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