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May 12, 2010

Rep. Marcia Fudge's Floor Speech on H.R. 5116, the COMPETES Reauthorization

As prepared for delivery

I want to congratulate Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall on this landmark legislation.  I'm proud to have had the opportunity to work with him on this critical initiative. 
 
I represent Cleveland, an area that is rapidly strengthening its science and technology resume.  The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital in my district are performing revolutionary biomedical research.  Research and development efforts are supported by the students and faculty at Case Western Reserve University, one of the leading research universities in the country.  Also, the Ohio STEM Learning Network, a paragon of STEM learning, has expanded education to traditionally underrepresented groups and is being modeled in other areas of the country. 
 
There is still work to be done.  Collaboration among Federal agencies is essential, which is why I incorporated an amendment in committee that would instruct the NSF, NIH, and Department of Education to collaborate in identifying grand challenges in education research, and then determine what specific role each agency should play.  This section of COMPETES instructs these agencies to solicit input from a variety of stakeholders in STEM education, who know best the needs of the STEM community.  This will ensure that the research performed is relevant and useful.
 
The America COMPETES Act draws attention to what we really need to focus on to continue our leadership in innovation: STEM education and R&D.  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.