Innovation and economic competitiveness have emerged as top priorities for this country.  A number of reports have detailed the nation’s need to address our investment in education and science.  The Augustine Commission’s “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” is often citied as the clarion call to action. 

 

            As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I am proud to join my colleagues from the Energy and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committees in introducing the America COMPETES Act.  This bill was produced in a bipartisan manner that brought together these three Senate committees. 

 

            The Commerce Committee plays a critical role in ensuring this country’s economic and commercial health.  We have expertise that touches industries ranging from telecommunications to transportation; from the safety of the home to the security of the homeland; and from marine containers to marine mammals.  We have brought this broad perspective in our efforts to improve the country’s investment in the vital components that make us successful.

At the heart of this investment is education.  Education is the foundation upon which scientific research and discoveries are made.  This bill uses educational programs to inspire students from kindergarten through graduate school to pursue math and science.  It also ensures that the nation’s enterprise research is well-funded and focused on the needs of the nation.

 

            This bill would double funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and significantly increase funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  We were also able to include several provisions related to ocean and atmospheric research and education.  The ocean truly is the last frontier on Earth, and ocean research and technology may have broad implications for improving health and understanding our environment. 

It is vital that we recognize the importance of our oceans.  The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recommended a number of ways to improve ocean education, basic research, and technological innovation.  We need to follow through on these recommendations in order to provide young people with the opportunity to use a readily available resource for learning and inspiration.

 

            This bill is a critical first step in this country’s journey to answering the challenges that lay ahead.  We must make the necessary investments today to realize the returns in the near future.  I support this legislation and look forward to its thorough consideration before the Senate.

 

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