Latest News > Business Groups Applaud House Passage of the "America COMPETES Act"

August 2, 2007

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Business Groups Applaud House Passage of the "America COMPETES Act"

Bill is Critical to Meet TAP Goal of Doubling U.S. Bachelor's Degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math by 2015

Washington, D.C. - Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 prominent business and technology associations committed to sustaining U.S. scientific and technology leadership, today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of H.R. 2272, the "America COMPETES Act." This bill improves the competitiveness of the United States by investing in innovation through research and development and a greater commitment to math and science education. House approval of the conference report to H.R. 2272, following rapidly on the heels of the agreement between House and Senate conferees, is the next-to-last step in sending the bill to the President's desk.

"By acting swiftly and decisively on this vital legislation, the House of Representatives has helped ensure continued U.S. economic leadership in the 21st Century," said John J. Castellani, President of Business Roundtable. "Enactment of this bill will help renew America's commitment to discovery and improve student achievement in math and science, two critical elements of the business community's innovation agenda."

"AeA applauds Speaker Pelosi. She delivered on her commitment to improving American competitiveness - a commitment she made when she was Minority Leader - and reiterated after she became Speaker," said William T. Archey, President and CEO of AeA.

At the foundation of the TAP coalition is its goal to double the number of U.S. bachelor's degrees in the key fields of science, technology, engineering and math by 2015. The "America COMPETES Act" is vital to the future economic competitiveness of the United States and to the individual success of U.S. citizens in the global economy. Legislation that supports research and development will ensure continued U.S. innovation leadership and economic competitiveness.

To learn more about the Tapping America's Potential coalition, visit www.tap2015.org.

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TAP is composed of 16 prominent business organizations that represent the largest and most innovative companies in America. They have set the goal of doubling the number of U.S. science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates with bachelor's degrees by 2015.