On the recordFebruary 28, 2011
the Senate today is turning its attention to a measure that will help create jobs, energize the economy, and promote innovation. The Patent Reform Act, which has also come to be called the America Invents Act, is a key part of any jobs agenda. We can help unleash innovation and promote American invention, all without adding a penny to the deficit. This is commonsense and bipartisan legislation. During the next few days, the Senate can come together to pass this needed legislation, and do so in a bipartisan manner. It represents the finest traditions of the Senate. I thank the majority leader for proceeding to this measure, and the Republican leader for his cooperation. This is a bill that was reported unanimously by the members of the Judiciary Committee. Republicans and Democrats alike recognize that it is important to our country's continued economic recovery, and to our ability to successfully compete in the global economy. America needs a 21st century patent system in order to lead. The last reform of our patent system was nearly 60 years ago, and I think it is about time the patent system caught up with the needs of this country and what the rest of the world has already done. In his State of the Union Address, President Obama challenged the Nation to out-innovate, out-build, and out-educate. Enacting the America Invents Act is a key to meeting this challenge.
