Technology and Innovation Subcommittee Chairman David Wu's Floor Speech on H.R. 5116, the COMPETES Reauthorization

Thank you, Madam Speaker.  I rise today in strong support of the America COMPETES reauthorization, and I am particularly proud of the contribution my subcommittee—the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee—has made to this legislation.  Innovation is critical to our nation's long-term global competitiveness, and we have a responsibility to support the kind of economic environment that empowers our nation's private sector to innovate and create jobs.

 

The bipartisan legislation we are considering today will strengthen our nation's economic competitiveness by helping to create an environment that encourages innovation and facilitates growth.  Among other things, the bill makes critical investments in, and improvements to, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which will help this vital program better address the needs of our nation's small- and medium-sized manufacturers. 

 

The bill will also help ensure that students have the training necessary to secure a good-paying job in their community by requiring MEP centers to inform local and regional community colleges of the skills needed by area manufacturers.  America COMPETES also focuses the National Institute of Standards and Technology on creating jobs, supporting competitiveness, and meeting the needs of our nation's private sector. 

 

America COMPETES is the cornerstone of our nation's global competitiveness, and today's reauthorization bill represents another critical step in implementing the innovation agenda.

 

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.