[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 129 (Tuesday, September 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2272, AMERICA COMPETES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
2272, the 21st Century Competitiveness Act.
  I want to commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for 
working together on this important legislation that responds to the 
global economic challenges our country faces. This bill ensures that 
American students, teachers, businesses, and workers are prepared to 
continue leading the world in innovation, research, and technology well 
into the future.
  In order for the United States to remain competitive in the global 
economy, we must invest in education. This bill will allow more 
students to be trained in math, science, engineering, and technology 
education through quality, innovative teacher-training programs. As a 
result, our future generation will be able to transform ideas into new 
technologies that will boost our economy and create good jobs here at 
home.
  Sadly over the last decade, U.S. Federal funding for research and 
development has declined steadily. H.R. 2272 makes a renewed commitment 
to independent scientific research by increasing funding for the 
National Science Foundation, NSF, the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology, NIST, and the Department of Energy's Office of Science. 
This bill provides grants for outstanding researchers and coordinates 
research ideas and infrastructure needs between universities, national 
labs, and Government agencies.
  In addition, creating a new energy policy is a top priority for the 
new Democratic majority. Clean energy technologies will create high-
paying American jobs, strengthen our national security, lower costs for 
consumers, and reduce global warming. The 21st Century Competitiveness 
Act strengthens our national commitment to energy research and 
innovation by creating a new Advanced Research Agency for Energy, ARPA-
E.
  Finally, H.R. 2272 increases support for innovative entrepreneurs. 
Small businesses are often the catalyst for new innovations; however 
these businesses face significant obstacles that limit their efforts to 
transform ideas into reality. This bill increases funding for the 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, MEP, and also creates the 
Technology Innovation Program, TIP, that supports small businesses that 
are developing technologies that will benefit our country and world.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this critical 
legislation that ensures the United States' global competitiveness.

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