Bill Offers More Federal Research;
Focus on Math and Science Education

 A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate would help make U.S. technology companies and workers more competitive, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) said today.

The America Competes Act, proposed Monday by a group of senators led by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would dramatically increase funding for federal research and efforts to improve proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The proposed boosts come on the heels of recent increases approved as part of the continuing resolution for the fiscal year 2007 budget and continue the multi-year commitment made by both the Bush Administration and congressional leaders from both parties to double basic research funding.

"The America Competes Act clearly offers the tech industry a great deal to cheer about," said EIA interim President and CEO Charlie Robinson. "If Congress approves new funding for basic research in key areas and for STEM education, American companies and workers will be more competitive and prosperous for years to come.

"We commend Senators Reid, McConnell and their many colleagues who have kept the spotlight on the critical area of innovation legislation," Robinson added. "With this proposal as a bipartisan starting point, we hope congressional leaders can now move toward enacting many of these initiatives this year."

Senate sponsors of the bill include: Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.; Pete Domenici, R-N.M.; Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii; Ted Stevens, R-Alaska; Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.; Michael Enzi, R-Wyo.; Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.; John Ensign, R-Nev.; Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; Bill Nelson, D-Fla.; and Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Tex. Similar legislation, which was introduced in the last Congress but not enacted, had more than 50 co-sponsors.

With its focus on scientific research and education, the America Competes Act encompasses two key planks of EIA's competitiveness agenda, outlined in the 2004 policy playbook, The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads.

Of particular interest to EIA members are the bill's provisions creating new programs and financial incentives to enhance the skills of K-12 STEM teachers; encouraging high-risk, high-reward research at various federal agencies, such as NASA and the Department of Energy; a grant program for research in the fields of advanced information and communications technology; and establishing an Advisory Board that includes industry representation.