On the recordMay 12, 2010
I rise in support of H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. I commend Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall for their efforts to move this bill through regular order and for working with Members on both sides to make improvements to the bill. Like many of my colleagues here, I strongly supported in 2007 the original America COMPETES Act, which became our Nation's first coordinated and strategic investment plan aimed at maintaining U.S. leadership in science and technology. Based on the recommendations in the National Academies report, 'Rising Above the Gathering Storm,' this bill we are considering today will build on the investments of the 2007 legislation and preserve U.S. leadership in math, science, and engineering education, and basic research development and commercialization opportunities for our country. That said, I also urge my colleagues to keep in mind that this bill is, above all else, an investment in scientific advancement, with proven economic returns for many years to come.
