WASHINGTON, D.C. – Updated March 7, 2007:

On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. EST (6:30 a.m. PST), Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will testify before the U.S. Senate HELP (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions) Committee on U.S. competitiveness.

The testimony can be viewed via an on-demand webcast (2 hours, 2 mins.) at:

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/federal/ms/she030707a.wvx

A written transcript of the testimony can be viewed at:

http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/exec/billg/speeches/2007/03-07Senate.mspx

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The hearing will take place in Washington, D.C.:

What: U.S. Senate HELP Committee Hearing on Strengthening American Competitiveness for the 21st Century

When: Wed., March 7, 2007 - 9:30a.m. EST/6:30 a.m. PST

Where: Hart Office Building, SH-216

Who: Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft Corp. and Co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation