Jay Rockefeller: “I am hopeful that there has been enough time for reflection and further thought on the pending bill--S. 4, the National…”

“I am hopeful that there has been enough time for reflection and further thought on the pending bill--S. 4, the National Competitiveness Act--to break the impasse that stalled us last week. This body debated this legislation for over 4 days. Some of it was on the bill, as it should have been. I wish more of it had been on the legislation itself, so that we could determine what if any further steps we need to take to improve the bill and pass it. As we begin again to discuss this legislation, let us review what we are being asked to consider: S. 4, the National Competitiveness Act, is legislation designed to equip our Nation to meet the challenges of our global economy that demand a great deal from our industries, our workers, and our Government. This is a bill that builds on a tradition--one might even say a routine--of our Government to work directly with industry in doing what is necessary to stay ahead economically. For many decades, we have invested in research, in technology, and in related activities to ensure that we are producing, manufacturing, and putting our people to work. That tradition includes funding partnerships and extension efforts in agriculture, medicine, energy, defense, and aerospace. With this bill, we are proposing how and where to build on the American tradition of working with industry to improve America's manufacturing base, create new jobs, and retain existing jobs.”