Brad Miller: “the current political debate on the economy is usually over the most recent economic statistics, but our economic future…”

“the current political debate on the economy is usually over the most recent economic statistics, but our economic future depends upon our remaining the most innovative economy in the world. The policies of this current administration and of this Congress are cheating Americans of our economic future, of the economic future that we deserve. I rise tonight to speak specifically about the need for adequate funding for the United States Patent and Trademark Office and about the need to help get nanotechnology from the lab to the market. Patents and trademarks are critical to the promotion and development of the American economy. In an increasingly competitive global market, it is essential that the administration and we in Congress do everything we can to maintain America's role as the leader in the creation of innovative technologies and of new products. Innovation and competitiveness depend upon the effectiveness and efficiency of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the USPTO. Our biotechnology, electronic, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries rely on the United States patent system. But because of record innovation and growth beginning in the 1990s, the USPTO is overburdened to the breaking point.”