New Dems Applaud House Passage of America COMPETES Act
Continued investments in innovation & science vital for American competitiveness
Today, Members of the New Democrat Coalition joined their colleagues in the House to pass the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 5116), clearing the way for the President to sign this historic bipartisan legislation into law. The New Democrat Coalition, under the leadership of the Innovation and Competitiveness Task Force Co-Chairs Congressmen Ron Kind and Rush Holt, has long called for the reauthorization of the COMPETES Act to continue our investment in innovation and science to keep American businesses and workers competitive in the 21st century global marketplace.
"The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act is an important investment in our long-term economic future and will help make sure our country remains the most innovative and creative country in the world. Not only will it strengthen science, technology, engineering, and math education, creating the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs, but it supports basic research and helps foster innovation and creativity in our workforce-all of which are crucial to creating the jobs of the future and ensuring our nation can be a leader in a global economy," Said Congressman Ron Kind, New Dem Vice-Chair and Innovation & Competitiveness Task Force Co-Chair.
"For decades, it has been clear that our investments in scientific research and education underwrite our national prosperity. Yet we've continued to under-invest in these economic drivers. The National Academies issued a call for action in 2005 with the Rising Above the Gathering Storm report, and Congress responded by passing the America COMPETES Act. That legislation is now set to expire, and the National Academies has since issued an ominous warning about our nation's outlook. To guarantee a secure economic future for our children and our nation, we must not fail to provide robust funding for the programs in this legislation," said Congressman Rush Holt, New Dem Innovation & Competitiveness Task Force Co-Chair.
New Dem Record on Boosting Innovation and Strengthening American Competitiveness:
- Earlier this year, the New Dems released an agenda for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, comprised of key proposals to invest in innovation, boost small businesses and foster long term sustainable growth. (Click here to view the New Democrats' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Agenda.)
- The New Dems called for fully funding the COMPETES Act in the New Dem Innovation and Competitiveness Task Force Principles, released this Congress. (Click here to view the Task Force Principles).
- In 2007 the New Dems joined House leadership in working on the Innovation Agenda, which served as a framework for the COMPETES Act. (Click here to for additional information on the Innovation Agenda)
The New Democrat Coalition is a Coalition of 69 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and business. Founded in 1997, the NDC provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to advance a common sense policy agenda focused on empowering the U.S. to grow economically and maintain a vibrant job market, preserving the U.S. standing as the world's leader in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthening our economic and national security. For more information, visit the New Dems website at https://ndc.crowley.house.gov.
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