Latest News > Business Groups Applaud House Action on Education and Research

April 25, 2007

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Business Groups Applaud House Action on Education and Research

Cite Bills as 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 yesterday of H.R. 362, the "10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds" Science and Math Scholarship Act, and H.R. 363, the "Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research" Act. These bills promote excellence in math and science instruction and support basic research in the physical sciences and engineering.

"Today's students are tomorrow's leaders; with the support of this legislation, Congress is helping to prepare our children to succeed in our rapidly changing world," said John J. Castellani, President of Business Roundtable, a TAP founding member leading the coalition. "These two bills provide essential support for America's innovation system, which is the foundation of our country's competitiveness in today's global economy."

"The quality of math and science teaching is the single most important factor in improving student math and science achievement," said Brian K. Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Business-Higher Education Forum and member of the TAP coalition. "H.R. 362 recognizes this national imperative by making key investments in teacher recruitment programs and professional development opportunities."

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. Legislation, such as the two bills passed yesterday by the House, is one key element that the coalition, whose members represent the largest and most innovative companies in America, believes must be pursued to attain this goal.

"The United States must have the most innovative educational system, workforce and businesses to maintain our global economic leadership," said Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President of the Council on Competitiveness. "This legislation will prepare Americans for the jobs of tomorrow with the skills and education of today."

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.