Congress Passes Competitiveness Conference Report

On Thursday, the House passed the conference report for H.R. 2272, the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science (America COMPETES) Act, by a vote of 367-57. Although the White House expressed concerns over the funding authorized in the bill, which conferees reported out on Tuesday, Congressional leaders expect President Bush to sign the omnibus legislation.

H.R. 2272 contains provisions from S. 761, H.R. 362, H.R. 363, H.R. 1068, H.R. 1867 and H.R. 1868, all of which passed through at least one chamber of Congress earlier this year. The omnibus package provides $33 billion over the next three years to support 25,000 new math and science teachers through professional development and graduate education assistance. The bill also authorizes grants to support baccalaureate degrees in math and science with concurrent teacher certification, and establishes a public-private partnership with the business community to identify high-needs fields. Additionally it supports federal research through the National Science Foundation, Energy Department and the National Institute on Standards and Technology.

Republicans criticized the “excessive” spending levels and the manner in which the Democratic leadership moved the report through both chambers. Normal Congressional proceedings require that a conference report be available for review for three legislative days before coming to the floor for a final vote. H.R. 2272’s conference report was available for fewer than 48 hours. That did not sit well with many Republican leaders. Despite those reservations, the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and President Bush is expected to sign the bill.

Resources:
Jennifer Bendery, “House Approves Competitiveness Conference Report,” Congress Now, August 2, 2007.
Kathryn A. Wolfe, “House Completes Work on Math and Science ‘Competitiveness’ Measure,” CQ Today, August 2, 2007.
Author: SAS