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From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

August 2, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson: Keeping America Competitive

Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson said today's passage of a technology, education and science bill will help prepare American students to successfully compete in the global economy.  Matheson is a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, which drafted HR 2272, the America COMPETES Act. The bipartisan bill is expected to pass the House Thursday.

The bill authorizes funding for programs to create more qualified teachers in science and math fields and to support scientific research and innovation through the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.  It is a response to the 2005 National Academies report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" which found that without immediate action, America could stand to lose its competitive edge.

"Now is the time to act in order to ensure that our children have the education and the skills they need to become the business and technology leaders of the new global marketplace.  The U.S. has always been the world's creative, innovative leader.  We have to maintain that edge for our children's future," said Matheson.

Matheson said the legislation incorporates the following recommendations:

  • Create thousands of new teachers and provide current teachers with content and expertise in their field;
  • Expand programs to enhance the undergraduate education of the future science and engineering workforce;
  • Expand early career grant programs for outstanding young investigators at both the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy;
  • Keep the National Science Foundation and the NIST research labs on a 10-year doubling path;
  • Strengthen interagency planning and coordination for research infrastructure and information technology.

Matheson said the legislation recognizes that small businesses are often the catalysts for technological innovation.  It provides funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership -a federal/state/private sector program that helps companies market their innovations and grow their businesses.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)