This week Congressman Ed Perlmutter joined a majority in the House of Representatives in supporting the America Competes Act, H.R. 2272, an effort led by the House Science and Technology Committee to ensure that our students, teachers, and researchers will continue to lead in the increasingly competitive fields of science and technology.
“I am pleased to support this Act as I feel that our country’s youth are one of our greatest resources. We owe our future generations a commitment to bettering their education and opportunities for success. Our educators are also in need of our support and assistance to ensure that we maintain our position as leaders in the field.”
Included in the Conference Agreement is a $43.3 billion allocation for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research and education programs across the federal government to be used over fiscal years 2008 – 2010. The Agreement also allocates funds for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program and Math and Science Partnerships Program, which helps to prepare thousands of new teachers and provide current teachers with content and teaching skills in their area of education.
To enhance education in these fields, the Agreement expands programs at NSF to enhance undergraduate science and engineering education. Competitive grants have also been created to increase the number of teachers serving high-need schools and expand access to AP and IB classes and to increase the number of qualified AP and IB teachers in high-need schools.
“This bipartisan effort shows a strong Congressional commitment to our future as leaders of the scientific and technological world,” said Perlmutter. “This action encourages participation in these rapidly growing and ever-changing fields which are of utmost importance to our national security as well as our future prosperity
