Flores Votes to Keep America Competitive and Drive Innovation

Press Release

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, which reestablishes the federal government's primary scientific role to fund basic research. Following passage of the bill, Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement:

"Basic scientific research drives innovation and is crucial to keeping America competitive. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act prioritizes funding for basic research and fundamental scientific discovery. This ensures taxpayers dollars are responsibly used to support our national priorities in the core physical sciences at our nation's universities and civilian science institutions. By focusing on these priorities we will advance cutting edge research and improve key investments that will help spur future economic growth.

"Basic research is critical to the success of research activities taking place at the three major research and educational institutions that have footprints in the 17th Congressional District of Texas -- Texas A&M University, Baylor University and The University of Texas. Through the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, we can ensure that these institutions are able to continue to conduct important research activities that become the "seed corn' of knowledge and discovery for future economic opportunity."

The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act reauthorizes civilian research programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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