Investment in information-technology equipment and software fell at an annual rate of 6.5% in real terms.

ECONOMIST: The American economy

The report, by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), urges greater federal government investment in upgrading voting equipment and the creation of a new agency to oversee standards.

BBC: US election flaws 'cost 6m votes'

And overall investment fell yet again, though there was a modest rise in spending on computers and equipment, suggesting that the rout in technology investment may finally be coming to an end.

ECONOMIST: The economy

Moreover, a prolonged investment drought in the region will hurt the major American industries -- notably aerospace, high technology, construction equipment and financial services -- that have prospered most from the Asian boom.

CNN: Wake up, America

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States recommended against the deal to acquire assets and technology from 3Leaf Systems, but the Chinese maker of telecom equipment said as recently as Monday that it would push ahead and seek a yes or no from President Barack Obama, who has the final decision.

WSJ: Huawei Drops Attempt to Buy U.S. Technology Assets From 3Leaf