Heinrich Statement On Republican-Blocked America COMPETES Reauthorization Act

Statement

U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) released the following statement on House Republicans blocking legislation that would foster high-tech job growth and significantly bolster American innovation. H.R. 5325, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, failed in the House today by a partisan vote of 261-148.

"It's unfortunate that legislation to create jobs and increase the competitiveness of our nation fell victim to party politics today. Instead of putting Americans back to work, Republicans continue to play partisan games at the expense of our nation's economic future.

"In 2007, when jobs and competitiveness were bipartisan priorities, this program originally passed the House by a vote of 367 to 57. Today, the Republicans are putting election-year politics before creating jobs.

"Backed by hundreds of business, research, and academic organizations, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act creates solutions for sustainable economic growth. Now that's a winning endeavor for the American people."

Rep. Heinrich successfully amended the legislation to enable science parks and national laboratories to participate in a new grant program authorized by the bill. He also amended the bill to create an online database of unclassified technologies and capabilities available to the public at the national laboratories for the purpose of stimulating technology transfer to small businesses.

H.R. 5325 would boost funding for the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies like our National Laboratories involved in basic and applied science. H.R. 5325 would also promote science and math education and provide loan guarantees to small businesses developing new technologies to help foster good paying jobs in the 21st Century. The legislation is supported by hundreds of organizations including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, and Information Technology Industry Council.

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