WASHINGTON, April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the House Science and Technology Committee voted last night to update and reauthorize the America COMPETES Act, which seeks to boost America's competitiveness by strengthening the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.  

"Boosting America's competitiveness is essential to our economic recovery today and our economic strength for generations to come.  With progress on the reauthorization of the COMPETES Act, Congress is moving forward to create prosperity, expand markets for American products, reassert our leadership throughout the world in the decades to come, and give future generations greater opportunity to achieve the American Dream.  

"Simply put, this legislation supports our efforts to keep America number one.

"I would like to commend Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon for keeping our nation on a path to double funding for basic scientific research over 10 years. The reauthorization of ARPA-E and authorization of Energy Innovation Hubs will help ensure American energy independence.  And since we know innovation begins in the classroom, this legislation will help create the next generation of entrepreneurs by improving science, math, technology, and engineering education at all levels. 

"Nearly five years ago, Democrats outlined our commitment to competitiveness with our Innovation Agenda.  The COMPETES Act reauthorization continues this work, preparing our nation for economic success in the 21st century." 

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House