Quote of the Day
"The U.S. economy expanded at a faster clip than initially forecast in the third quarter, helped by more robust consumer spending and by stronger exports. The economy grew at a 2.5% annualized pace in the quarter, revised up from the initial estimate of 2.0%, the government said in its second estimate of quarterly gross domestic product. GDP growth was 1.7% during the second quarter.”
- Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch, 11/23/2010
For Release: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE PASSES REAUTHORIZATION OF AMERICA COMPETES ACT
Costello Works to Include Key Provisions Strengthening STEM Education Programs
WASHINGTON – The House Science and Technology Committee yesterday passed H.R. 5116, the Reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act of 2010. U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), a senior member of the committee, lauded the bipartisan markup of the bill, which invests in innovation through research and development and improves the competitiveness of the United States. H.R. 5116 will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.
Costello worked to include a provision specifically incorporating carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) science in the STEM education program within the Department of Energy (DOE). Costello emphasized the importance of the provision, noting that President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget invests over $400 million in CCS research at DOE, and that universities such as Southern Illinois University-Carbondale are engaging in cutting-edge clean coal research.
“Carbon capture and sequestration represents the future of coal-powered energy, the nation’s most abundant and affordable energy source and a vital part of Illinois’ economy,” said Costello. “Including CCS in the Department of Energy’s STEM education programming will ensure that we continue to expand deployment of this important technology and train a new generation of CCS scientists.”
Costello also crafted language in the bill that increases the involvement of community colleges with Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers. This provision requires MEP Centers to inform community colleges in their region about the skill sets and knowledge needed by local manufacturers in their workforce. This update to the MEP program ensures that community colleges can tailor their classes to meet the needs of local employers and workers.
“The America COMPETES Act is one of the most important bills the Science and Technology Committee will consider this year,” said Costello. “This legislation invests in research and development across the federal government, creates opportunities for innovation in the private sector, and helps ensure that the United States maintains the most innovative, competitive workforce in the world.”
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