Pete Domenici: “I rise today to introduce a legislative package which we refer to as the ``Protecting America's Competitive Edge Act of…”

“I rise today to introduce a legislative package which we refer to as the ``Protecting America's Competitive Edge Act of 2006'' or the ``PACE'' Act. This legislation ensures that the United States continues to set the pace in science, and in the development of new technologies. I know my colleagues Senator Bingaman, Senator Alexander, and Senator Mikulski share my conviction that this legislation addresses one of the most pressing challenges before us today. There are troubling signs that the United States is becoming less competitive in scientific and high-technology fields. Today, the United States is a net importer of high technology products. The U.S. share of global high-technology exports has fallen over the last two decades from 30 percent to only 17 percent. The PACE legislation closely follows the recommendations made in a recent National Academy of Sciences report entitled ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm.'' The metaphorical storm is the challenge to our global competitiveness in science and technology. I want to congratulate Norm Augustine, who chaired the National Academy committee, and the members of his committee for producing such a comprehensive, ground-breaking report on this important issue. The Augustine report makes 20 recommendations for U.S. schools, universities, research and economic policy. Our legislation will enact each of the recommendations.…”