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Help IPC Persuade U.S. Congress to Extend the R&D Tax Credit
December 4, 2015 | John Hasselmann, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute

IPC has long urged the U.S. Congress to enact a permanent research and development tax credit – or at least a multi-year extension, not just the usual temporary, one-year deal – and to provide that certainty sooner, not at the last minute. Only a permanent credit will spur the kind of long-term R&D that is critical to the competitiveness of the U.S. electronics industry in the global economy. The R&D tax credit was one of the key issues raised last April during IMPACT 2015, our annual event in which IPC member executives meet with top policy makers in Washington, D.C.
Unfortunately, as of this writing, congressional leaders still have not been able to reach agreement on how to extend the R&D tax credit — which expired on December 31, 2014, and more than 50 other tax provisions that have expired or will expire by December 31. The proverbial “last minute” has arrived.
Within the coming days, congressional leaders are slated to discuss the best path forward, whether it be making some of the provisions permanent or simply extending all of them in a one- or two-year package. A one-year retroactive extension, which would include only 2015, simply continues the uncertainty that businesses face.
At this point, Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) has stated that a one-year extension is off the table but could resurface if a larger agreement is not reached.
Please take a moment now to contact your elected officials and urge them to extend the R&D tax credit without delay. Please feel free to use our suggested text or to craft your own message.
You can also join the conversation on Twitter; be sure to use the hashtag #JobsandGrowth and your elected representatives’ Twitter handles. Example: “Hey, Congress: Extend the R&D tax credit now! #JobsandGrowth @MEMBEROFCONGRESS HANDLE”
Please contact Ken Schramko, IPC director, government relations, if you need help with contact information for your elected official or if you have any questions.
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The Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-8911: First-Ever Conductive Yarn Standard for E-Textile Application
07/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry.
IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively
07/02/2025 | Chris Jorgensen, Global Electronics AssociationIn part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.
Advancing Aerospace Excellence: Emerald’s Medford Team Earns Space Addendum Certification
06/30/2025 | Emerald TechnologiesWe’re thrilled to announce a major achievement from our Medford, Oregon facility. Andy Abrigo has officially earned her credentials as a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) under the IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, the leading industry standard for space and military-grade electronics manufacturing.
Magnalytix and Foresite to Host Technical Webinar on SIR Testing and Functional Reliability
06/26/2025 | MAGNALYTIXMagnalytix, in collaboration with Foresite Inc., is pleased to announce an upcoming one-hour Webinar Workshop titled “Comparing SIR IPC B-52 to Umpire 41 Functional & SIR Test Method.” This session will be held on July 24, 2025, and is open to professionals in electronics manufacturing, reliability engineering, and process development seeking insights into new testing standards for climatic reliability.
IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell
06/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.