Commerce Committee Advances America COMPETES Reauthorization Bill

On July 22, the Senate Commerce Committee approved the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (S. 3605), a continuing effort with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

The bill invests in research and development (R&D), and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education - drivers of America's economy and keys to our competitiveness in the global marketplace. Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) said, "While the United States continues to lead the world in science and engineering, other countries are working to close the gap by expanding their own investments in research, infrastructure, and education. A strong high-tech workforce is fundamental to addressing the challenges of the 21st century—from developing clean sources of energy to discovering cures for diseases. The small investments we make now in science and technology, research and STEM education will pay incredible dividends down the road."