Political Quotes

“The first letter is by the Council on Competitiveness, signed by Sam Allen, chairman and CEO of the Deere Company; Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials; Chad Holliday, chairman of the Bank of America; William Hite, general president of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters; Deborah Wince-Smith, president and CEO of the Council. That letter succinctly states that: Scientific research and skilled workers are the basis for new ideas, new technologies, new products and services, new companies, even entirely new industries. The American economy cannot compete and grow if we neglect our capacity to innovate. The other letter, from 175 universities, industries, and laboratories, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, supports the goals outlined in the America COMPETES Act and asks this Chamber to reject the cuts adopted by the House funding bill. This letter states that: Congress took a very important step for our Nation's future by reauthorizing the America COMPETES Act in 2010, reaffirming its commitment to the science and innovation essential to long-term economic growth. We urge you to continue implementation funding and to reject the cuts to research and STEM education adopted by the House in H.R. 1. I will move to the issue of homeland security. Over the last several years, we have heard a lot of speeches in the Senate about the need to bolster border security, particularly along the southern border, and enhance homeland security capabilities.…”