America COMPETES Act Lays Foundation
by Investing in Future Generations
AS THE AMERICA COMPETES Act was signed into law today [August 9, 2007], the United States took a step forward in securing its position as a leader in technology and innovation. The efforts of Senator John Ensign, an author of the legislation, contributed to the bill's final passage, and at a signing ceremony today the President thanked Ensign and other Congressional leaders for their work on this issue.
"Today's economy is a global marketplace where students in America compete against students all around the world in places such as India and China," said Ensign. "By investing in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the America COMPETES Act lays a foundation for long-term growth and encourages more people to pursue high-skilled jobs."
The bill increases federal investment in basic research; fosters science, technology, engineering and math talent; and develops an innovation infrastructure. The bill also puts the National Science Foundation on a path to doubling its research programs.
"This is an investment to ensure our future generations remain competitive," said Ensign, who was asked by Senate leadership to bring together a bipartisan group to draft competitiveness legislation.
Last year Senator Ensign was tapped by the Senate Majority Leader to coordinate the efforts of several Senate committees—Commerce; Energy; and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions—in order to craft the America COMPETES Act. Ensign, now the Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Technology, Innovation and Competitiveness, was the Chairman last Congress.
