Mike Levin: “I had intended to call up amendment No. 969 which sets forth authorization levels for the Advanced Technology Program…”

“I had intended to call up amendment No. 969 which sets forth authorization levels for the Advanced Technology Program, ATP, to restore the ATP program to its historic funding levels. The Senate's defeat of the Coburn amendment expresses the will of the Senate to support the ATP program. I am also confident that the chairman and the committee can accomplish in conference what this amendment intended to do. Again, by defeating the Coburn amendment to repeal the authorization for the Advanced Technology Program, ATP, the Senate has again expressed its support for ATP. This body understands the importance of this program. In the past the Senate has, on numerous occasions, supported amendments to the budget resolution to provide for ATP. Every time we have had an appropriations vote on this program we have retained funding for ATP. We have lost 3 million manufacturing jobs since January 2001. In the face of these losses and strong global economic competition, we should be doing all we can to promote programs that help create jobs and strengthen the technological innovation of American companies. The ATP is one of the key Federal programs available to help U.S. manufacturers remain competitive in a global economy. I have spoken with the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee and I am confident he will support strong funding for the ATP program in conference.”