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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
OPA News Release: [09/28/2006]
Contact Name: Melinda Thielen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 06-1692-NAT
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Focuses on American Competitiveness Initiative before National Academies of Science and Engineering Convocation
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao delivered remarks on America's economic future and the steps that the Bush Administration is taking to ensure that America's workforce remains competitive in the 21st Century economy.
"The future of American competitiveness rests on the readiness of our nation's workforce and innovators," Secretary Chao said. "President Bush has proposed investing $136 billion over the next decade in the American Competitiveness Initiative to improve worker skills, education, boost research and development and encourage entrepreneurship."
Secretary Chao noted that the American Competitiveness Initiative is part of the president's comprehensive effort to boost science, technology, engineering and math education. The president's fiscal year 2007 budget includes a 50 percent increase in funding for research and development over what was spent in 2001.
"Millions of Americans work in industries that did not exist a generation ago and these new jobs require higher skills and more education," said Secretary Chao. "The president's American Competitiveness Initiative is aimed at developing the talent and technology that will keep America on the leading edge of this new knowledge-based economy.
"We are in a knowledge-based economy," Secretary Chao continued. "High tech-intensive industries — such as aerospace, information technology and biotechnology — account for nearly 15 million jobs."
The joint meeting of National Academies of Science and Engineering was attended by approximately 400 researchers. The National Academies are dedicated to bringing together committees of experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavor. These experts serve pro bono to address critical national issues and give advice to the federal government and the public.
Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
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