The original America COMPETES Act was a response to the National Academies’ Rising Above The Gathering Storm report, which warned that America’s place as a global leader in science and technology was at risk. Urgent action is still needed to guarantee American prosperity in the face of increasing global competition. The reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act would focus on three primary areas of importance to increase American innovation and competitiveness: (1) increasing science and research investments, (2) strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and (3) developing an innovation infrastructure.

Spending on basic scientific research is an investment in our economy, and has been singled out by the Deficit Commission as a long-term gain for the budget. More than 90% of the funds authorized would be for routine reauthorizations of major research programs. The amendment is lower in cost than the House version and would repeal programs from the original COMPETES Act that have not previously been funded. The substitute amendment filed to H.R. 5116 would: 

Increase Science and Research Investments

• Authorize funding increases for NSF, NIST, and DOE’s Office of Science for fiscal years 2011 - 2013 on a path toward doubling basic R&D over 10 years.

• Support programs to expand American energy technology such as ARPA-E and hydrocarbon systems science.

• Support programs to assist American manufacturers and create a loan guarantee program to support innovation in manufacturing. 

Strengthen Educational Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

• Coordinate STEM education across the Federal government, with the goal of reinforcing programs that demonstrate effectiveness.

• Support research and internship opportunities for high school and undergraduate students, and increase graduate fellowships supported by NSF and DOE.

• Encourage students studying in STEM areas to pursue teaching credentials, increasing the pool of qualified teachers for the next generation of young innovators.

Develop an Innovation Infrastructure

• Promote productivity and economic growth by forming an Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to foster innovation and the commercialization of new technologies, products, processes, and services.

• Require the development of a national innovation and competitiveness strategy for strengthening the innovative and competitive capacity of the Federal Government, State and local governments, institutions of higher education, and the private sector.

• Support the development of regional innovation strategies, including regional innovation clusters and research parks.