KENNEDY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO GET AMERICA BACK ON TRACK AND GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE WORKS TO MOVE OUR ECONOMY FORWARD AND INVEST IN OUR FUTURE

Washington, DC: Today, Senator Edward Kennedy, joined by a bipartisan group of 13 Senators, introduced the National Competitiveness Investment Act, to encourage innovation in America as a way to create jobs and move our economy forward. Kennedy believes the bill is an important down- payment on the commitment and sustained investment needed to keep America competitive in the years to come. Among other things, the bill doubles basic research funding by the National Science Foundation over the next five years and puts us on a strong course to doubling basic research funding at the Department of Energy as well. The National Competitiveness Investment Act also recognizes and responds to the critical need to recruit and train high quality math, science, technology and engineering teachers to teach in the schools with the greatest need so that we can begin to close the achievement gap and ensure that all American students can compete on a level playing field with their peers in other nations. “America has long been at the forefront in innovation, invention, and education. We know how to rise to challenges and come out ahead. We’ve done it before and we can do it again.” Senator Kennedy said. “Today we are taking a step toward putting America back on the right track, but we need a bold commitment to help the current generation meet and master the global challenges of today and tomorrow. I look forward to working with my colleagues as the bill moves forward to ensure that Congress provides the new investments needed to fully support and build on these important proposals.” Senator Kennedy is committed to doing more to get this country back on track. He will continue to move forward to ensure that the cost of college is not a barrier to full participation in the new economy. He also is committed to addressing the impact of the global economy on the American worker. Below is Senator Kennedy’s full statement upon introduction, a summary of the bill and fact sheets on education and research and development, both nationally and in Massachusetts.