Fostering Innovation to Meet our Energy and Economic Needs

The major problems facing our country—a foundering economy, a changing climate, a growing need for clean energy we produce at home—will be solved by science, technology, and innovation. We can take a major step towards fostering the innovation we need by establishing the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy or ARPA-E.

ARPA-E will apply the DARPA research model to energy technology development. DARPA at the Department of Defense created a culture of innovation and lead to breakthroughs like GPS, stealth technology, body armor, and the internet.

Committee Agenda for the 111^th Congress

During the 110^th Congress, the House Science and Technology Committee passed 82 bills in the House – 37 resolutions passed, 27 bills were enacted into law, and 18 additional bills passed the House. In order to spearhead as many science and technology priorities and issues, the Committee has set an aggressive agenda for the 111^th Congress.

President-Elect Obama Radio Address on the Role of Science

Click here to listen to President-Elect Obama's latest weekly radio address where he introduces the new members of his science and technology team, and discusses the importance of science and innovation to the future of our country. - 12/21/08

President Signs Committee's Landmark Innovation Legislation

White House photo. Behind the President, from L-R: Dr. John Marburger; Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM).

(Washington, DC) On August 9, 2007, President Bush signed into law H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act. On August 2, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate the passed groundbreaking legislation aimed at ensuring the United States’ strong footing as a global economic leader and retaining our “brainpower advantage.”

H.R. 2272, the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science Act (COMPETES), makes improvements to math and science education and strengthens the nation’s commitment to scientific research. Read more»

Chairman Gordon's biography »

Subcommittee Quick Links