21^st Century Competitiveness Act gives America competitive advantage in global economy

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives passed the final version of a comprehensive bill to boost U.S. competitiveness in the global economy by strengthening math and science education and bolstering research efforts. The 21^st Century Competitiveness Act of 2007 (H.R. 2272) passed in the House Thursday by a vote of 367 to 57.

The bill authorizes spending for programs to improve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and research programs, and reauthorizes and expands programs at the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Department of Energy.

“It is clear that our nation is at a crossroads. The U.S. must either invest in innovation or witness the gradual erosion of our economic position and, quite possibly, the quality of life to which Americans have become accustomed,” said Ehlers. “Science and technology are fundamental to our economy, and if we want to remain globally competitive, this bill is the surefire way to guarantee results. The dividends paid by training scientists, engineers, and teachers will multiply throughout all sectors of our economy.”

The bill includes a provision that closely tracks Congressman Ehlers’ Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act (H.R. 255), which authorizes more funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The MEP is a vital resource for small and medium sized manufacturing firms in West Michigan and around the nation by helping companies cut costs and become more efficient.  The bill also authorizes a manufacturing research and development grant program and a manufacturing research science fellowship program.

The final version of the bill passed by the House came as a response, in part, to a report from the National Academies Rising Above the Gathering Storm report. A summary of the report is available online at the following link: http://books.nap.edu/execsumm_pdf/11463.pdf