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

August 3, 2007

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Business Groups Applaud Passage of the "America COMPETES Act"

Legislation to Advance U.S. Competitiveness in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Advances to the White House

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 applaud the U.S. Senate for its passage of the conference report of H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act, by unanimous consent last night after House passage earlier in the evening. 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. Congress has now completed the approval process and the legislation will move forward to the White House for President Bush's final signature.

"If we are to maintain our competitive edge, we must improve the education our students receive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said John J. Castellani, President of the Business Roundtable. "America's ability to compete in a 21st Century economy rests on our continued investments in education and innovation."

"Congress' commitment to innovation at a time of fierce global competition is a welcome sign for manufacturers trying to compete in today's fierce global marketplace," said John Engler, President of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). "Investing in our 'innovation pipeline' - education and basic R&D - will further American job growth and economic competitiveness."

The TAP coalition's goal is 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.

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.