Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I am delighted to join our distinguished Majority and Minority Leaders in introducing and cosponsoring the America…”

“I am delighted to join our distinguished Majority and Minority Leaders in introducing and cosponsoring the America COMPETES Act. This is an essential and important first step in addressing critical challenges facing our Nation in an increasingly competitive global economy. America must be a leader in scientific research and education. It is in the best interest of both our national and economic security. This bill renews and expands our national focus on strengthening key areas of research, education and innovation. It is the product of a truly bipartisan effort, undertaken with the blessing and encouragement of the Senate leadership and by the leadership of the three principal committees with jurisdiction over these matters: the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Mr. President, I am proud to be part of this bipartisan initiative to provide new resources to support these competitiveness programs. This legislation increases research investment by doubling the authorized funding levels for the National Science Foundation (NSF) from approximately $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2007 to $11.2 billion in fiscal year 2011.”