WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today announced that their legislation to ensure the nation retains its competitive edge has been signed into law.

 

           The America Competes Act, legislation dramatically increases the nation’s investment in science and technology, and puts a new, heavy emphasis on mathematics and science education.  Both New Mexico Senators were part of a core bipartisan group that began the push for passage of an American competitiveness bill nearly two years ago, and they negotiated the final version of the bill.  Both lawmakers also attended the White House ceremony at which President Bush signed the bill into law.

 

            “The America Competes Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation we’ve enacted this year.  It makes a major investment in education, and in scientific research and development to ensure we create and retain the best jobs of the future,” Bingaman said.  “Now that this legislation is enacted, we have put our nation in the position to keep its competitive edge for decades to come.” 

 

            “This new law will put America on a path toward being more competitive in the global marketplace.  Passing this bill has been a long road, but I’m pleased that many of the provisions we wrote last year in the Energy Committee are in the final bill.  I believe this law will be considered as one the most important enacted to add to the brainpower of the American people.  From tapping into the expertise of our national labs to doubling key research programs, this comprehensive new law represents the good things that can happen when Congress puts aside partisan squabbling and works together,” Domenici said.

 

            The America Competes Act would double the authorized funding for the National Science Foundation in seven years and sets the Department of Energy’s Office of Science on a path to double over seven years. 

 

            It also provides grants of up to $6 million to help states create specialty math and science schools.  Department of Energy laboratories will be partners in this effort in several ways, including “adopting” schools to strengthen their math and science capability.  It also creates a broad range of programs to strengthen the skills of math and science teacher and encourages mathematicians and scientists to become teachers.  And it provides resources to encourage students to enroll in Advanced Placement international baccalaureate programs. 

 

  

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