Jay Rockefeller: “I rise to once again ask my colleagues to consider the urgency and importance of the bill before us, S. 4, the National…”

“I rise to once again ask my colleagues to consider the urgency and importance of the bill before us, S. 4, the National Competitiveness Act. I am still trying to understand why it is taking so much time and energy to pass a bill that is about the heart and soul of this country. Knowing what challenges we face in staying competitive and prosperous, I find it inconceivable that anyone would oppose this effort. Personally, knowing the opportunities this bill poses for my own State--its industries, its workers and their families--I am determined to see us get this legislation signed into law. All of a sudden, we are hearing a series of misgivings about the idea of continuing a long tradition of the Government working with American industry to stay on the cutting edge of technology, improve manufacturing, and create and even expand jobs for our people. In light of the obvious competition we face in technology throughout the world, isn't this bill one of the equally obvious answers--a bill to invest in the Nation's economic future.”