Cohen Adds Engineering Curriculum Amendment to America COMPETES Reauthorization Act
“For the past 100 years America has led the way on almost every scientific and engineering breakthrough,” said Congressman Cohen. “We must invest in our children’s science and engineering education if we are going to continue to compete in a 21st Century global economy. We must also work to create clean energy jobs that will help spur immediate economic growth.”
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act was based on the 2005 National Academies’ report Rising Above the Gathering Storm. The report found that “the scientific and technological building blocks critical to our economic leadership are eroding at a time when many other nations are gathering strength.” The bill incorporated the science and technology recommendations from the report and was signed into law with broad bipartisan support in 2007 but it expires at the end of this fiscal year.
In the short-term, programs like Innovative Technology Federal Loan Guarantees address the immediate need of small and mid-sized manufacturers. In the mid-term, the bill would strengthen regional economies through programs like Regional Innovation Clusters. To ensure scientific and technological leadership now and in the future, the bill also makes investments in basic research.
The bill also included authorization of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy and Energy Innovation Hubs to help advance the U.S.’ transition to a clean energy economy.