Passed by both the House and Senate, H.R. 2272 is also known as the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science Act (COMPETES).

Congress has approved a law meant to improve education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as improve training for k-12 math and science teachers. “now is the time for us to strengthen our support for the creativity, the innovation and the talented work force that makes the U.S. unique and gives us our competitive edge,” bill sponsor Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Tenn. said when the House passed the bill in August.

Passed by both the House and Senate, H.R. 2272 is also known as the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science Act (COMPETES). It will provide $33.6 billion in fiscal years 2008 through 2010 to:

• Fund multiple grant programs at various federal agencies to help educate math and science teachers
• Create the Technology Innovation Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• Establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, which will engage in high-risk, high-reward energy research under the Department of Energy (DOE)
• Double budgets for research programs at the National Science Foundation, NIST and the DOE Office of Science

The legislation stems from a 2005 National Academics Report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, which stated that the United States could lose its competitive edge over other nations. According the report, in 1999, 68 percent of eighth graders were taught by a teacher who lacked a degree of certification in the field. In 2000, 93 percent of fifth- to ninth-grade students were taught chemistry, geology, general science or physics by a teacher who lacked the proper certification.

“That report told us now is the time to take bold steps to ensure that our children are prepared for the jobs of the future and that our nation can continue to compete in the global economy,” said Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., in a statement.

The bill encompasses priorities of the National Association of Manufacturers, says President John Engler. “Congress' commitment to innovation at a time of fierce global competition is a welcome sign for manufacturers trying to compete in today's fierce global marketplace,” he said in a statement. “Investing in our innovation pipeline – education and basic R&D – will further American job growth and economic competitiveness.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable and the Information Technology Industry Council also support the bill.