Rep. Johnson votes to enhance America's competitiveness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted for legislation that will encourage and expand U.S. innovation while also strengthening America’s scientific and economic leadership.

H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 228 to 130. It now goes to President Obama’s desk for his signature.

The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act supports basic research, improves science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, and fosters innovation.

“While it’s difficult to double our research budgets in today’s fiscal environment, we must make investments in our future,” said Rep. Johnson. “By making these commitments, we help our workforce compete in the global marketplace and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, which will require a highly educated and well-trained workforce.”

The legislation invests $45 billion in basic research programs — the Department of Energy Office of Science, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) labs — over three years.

H.R. 5116 also improves science and math education by reauthorizing programs that give teachers a deep understanding of their content so they can help their students understand the real world applications of what they are learning. The bill also addresses coordination of STEM activities across the federal government, and improves STEM education at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels.

It also maintains and expands NIST’s role in supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers to help them stay competitive.

“The America COMPETES Act will help to create jobs in Georgia by investing in our students, teachers and workers,” said Johnson. “Innovation – mainly in science and engineering – is the key to our nation’s future and the driving force of job creation. By reauthorizing the COMPETES Act, we keep our nation on the path of progress.”

“The funding of basic research, as well as science and math education, authorized by America COMPETES is an essential investment and will bolster the economic growth needed to restore long-term fiscal strength and national prosperity.” said David L. Wynes, Ph.D., vice president for Research Administration at Emory University.

“Emory has been a strong advocate for the COMPETES reauthorization legislation, which supports our continued research and education work benefiting the state of Georgia.”

###