Congressman Garamendi Supports Critical Science Legislation to Strengthen American Competitiveness
House Passed America COMPETES Act Improves STEM Education,
Research, and Manufacturing, Helping to Create American Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA), who as a state legislator co-authored the bill creating the California Council for Science and Technology, today praised the passage of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. COMPETES is one of our country’s most important investments in manufacturing, research, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
"For more than a century, America led the world in scientific innovation, and this commitment to research and education put millions of Americans to work while making our great country the world’s economic superpower. With COMPETES, Democrats are committed to making sure that America stays in business," said Garamendi, a member of the House Committee for Science and Technology.
"We must Make It In America if America is to make it. Investments in education, research, and manufacturing are critical in growing our economy," added Garamendi. "COMPETES makes it easier for private industry to use public research, helping to grow American industry and to create American jobs."
COMPETES authorizes funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) the National Institutes for Standards (NIST), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the DOE Office of Science, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
COMPETES contains significant funding for increasing domestic manufacturing and research at the NSF and NIST. Innovative programs such as NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) assist small and medium sized businesses by streamlining their manufacturing techniques. The MEP brings research and development from public labs and universities directly to small and medium sized businesses.
Half of the growth in U.S. GDP since World War II is related to the development and adoption of new technologies. Public funding is crucial to this growth as demonstrated by a recent report on 100 companies started through federal funding and university research. Universities conduct the majority of basic research, which is necessary for new discoveries and inventions. For example, a breakthrough in quantum mechanics contributed to the creation of the iPod.
"From Edison and the light bulb to NASA’s Apollo Program and the Internet, America’s achievements have led to humanity exploring the stars, increasing our understanding of the natural world and improving the global standard of living. COMPETES continues in this proud tradition," Garamendi said.
Congressman Garamendi was unable to return to the floor in time to record his vote for the COMPETES Act.
For more information on Congressman Garamendi’s work to Make It In America, please visit https://www.garamendi.house.gov/makeitinamerica.