WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement following Senate passage of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010:

“This is an investment in America’s future and our long-term competitiveness in the global marketplace. This bill invests in R&D and in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education – drivers of our economy and keys to our economic success. The investments we make now in science, technology, research and STEM education will pay incredible dividends down the road.” 

The original COMPETES Act was a response to the National Academies’ Rising Above The Gathering Storm, which warned that America’s place as a global leader in science and technology was at risk. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 will 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.

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