REP. LARSON: Innovation Agenda to Keep America Competitive in a Changing World

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 24, 2007

REP. LARSON: Innovation Agenda to Keep America Competitive in a Changing World

WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement regarding Democrats? Innovation Agenda that is being considered on the House floor this week.

The House will consider legislation that addresses crucial innovation and competitiveness issues for our country. Those measures will increase the number of highly qualified math and science teachers in K-12 (H.R. 362), support young researchers to foster the most innovative scientific research (H.R. 363), and make capital more accessible for small businesses, which are catalysts for technological innovation (H.R. 1332):

?The realities of globalization require that we sufficiently invest in our workforce to ensure our competitiveness in a changing world. To meet the challenges of today, and to create the jobs and economic security of tomorrow, we must act now. As globalization is our new reality, we need to give Americans a new deal and our innovation agenda is that commitment. The Democrats? Innovation Agenda will assert our global leadership, create new business ventures and jobs, and give future generations their own opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

?This effort began nearly two years ago, under the outstanding leadership of Speaker Pelosi, outside of Washington with leaders and CEOs from many fields: academia, venture capital, and entrepreneurs from the high-tech, biotech, and telecommunications sectors who are creating the jobs of tomorrow. This agenda involves partnerships with the private sector to invest in a workforce ready to compete in this new global marketplace. It will create a new generation of innovators; invest in federal research and development; spur affordable access to broadband; achieve energy independence; and provide small businesses with tools to encourage entrepreneurial innovation.

?This week the House will consider three bipartisan measures, representing the first legislative step in the 110th Congress to move our nation forward with this critical innovation plan for the U.S. economy. The Senate is also moving forward on these issues, and President Bush has indicated his support for innovation and competitiveness issues. Working together, we hope to make concrete and long overdue progress on this critical Innovation Agenda and work to ensure America?s continued competitiveness in this changing world.?

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