Higgins Votes for America COMPETES Act

Statement

Bill Gives US Companies, Students a Competitive Edge in New Economy

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced congressional approval of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5116), a bill designed to strengthen U.S. innovation in today's economy.

"Long term job creation and economic growth is dependent on our ability to be one step ahead when it comes to preparing our children, schools, manufacturers and researchers to meet the needs of tomorrow's demands," said Congressman Higgins. "This legislation demonstrates a commitment to seeing that America rises to that challenge."

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector generates $1.5 trillion worth of goods, accounts for more than half of US exports and employs millions of people. The America COMPETES Act helps to create jobs with innovative technology local guarantees for small and mid-sized manufacturers.

Education

For the US to remain competitive, we must create the next generation of researchers, scientists and innovators by improving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education at all levels. This legislation encourages, through scholarships and grants, improvements to STEM education in elementary and secondary schools, training for teachers in STEM classrooms and assistance to universities expanding STEM programs.

Research

The US investment in science and technology has been essentially flat, until very recently, with other countries like China on a path to outpace us in the area of research and development. The America COMPETES Act supports new Regional Innovation Clusters to strengthen regional economies by leveraging collaboration and communication among businesses.

The America COMPETES Act is supported by dozens of groups including the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufactures and the Association of American Universities. The bill now moves to the President for his signature.

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