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Cohen Votes to Support COMPETES Act

December 21, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today voted to support the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which makes investments in science, innovation and education to strengthen U.S. scientific and economic leadership. The measure would also help create jobs with innovative technology loan guarantees for small and mid-sized manufacturers.

“For the past 100 years America has led the way on many scientific and technological breakthroughs,” said Congressman Cohen. “We must invest in our children’s science education if we are going to continue to compete in a 21st-century global economy, and we must work to create jobs during these tough economic times.”

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.

The legislation would help promote high-risk high reward research to pioneer cutting edge discoveries through ARPA-E and promotes job creation in clean energy. The bill would also create the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs by improving science, math, technology, and engineering education at all levels.

The measure is supported by the Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Business Roundtable, TechAmerica, TechNet, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Venture Capital Association, Information Technology Industry Council, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and Association of American Universities.

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