MEASURE INCREASES FUNDS FOR NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION THAT PROVIDES MAJOR GRANTS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Washington, Aug 2, 2007 - "Since 1985, the number of engineering degrees earned in our nation has declined by 20 percent, and there is a similar trend in the sciences and math," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "Maintaining our nation's technological edge in a global economy requires a greater commitment to the technical and scientific fields."  Stearns today joined in approving H.R. H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act, which authorizes an increase to  $43.3 billion over three years in funding for several different agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).
Added Stearns, "Research is essential to keeping our nation competitive and this bill creates at least 40 new grant programs most of which are related to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  I am especially pleased that it increases funding for the National Science Foundation, which is a principle supporter of research conducted at the University of Florida, one of our nation's premier science and research institutions."