Staying on Top: What Do We Need to Keep America in the Lead?

How important is it for the United States to remain competitive in science and technology? Are you concerned about nations like India and China taking over our jobs and commerce? How does education play into America’s business success?

In early June 2006, the House Science Committee passed two bills designed to keep America globally competitive in science, mathematics, and technology. The first bill expands National Science Foundation awards for university students in science and engineering who participate in groundbreaking research.

The second bill would expand the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which pays tuition for math and education majors who, after graduation, teach two years in public primary and secondary schools in exchange for each year of aid.

In part, these bills are a reply to a National Academy of Sciences report that says the U.S. is slipping in math and science.

Although the bills have been approved by the committee, they have yet to pass the full House and Senate.

President Bush’s policy

An increased investment in science and technology is part of President Bush’s latest domestic policy proposal called The American Competitiveness Initiative. If approved by Congress, the project would commit $5.9 billion in fiscal year 2007 to research and development, education, and entrepreneurship.

The administration says that well-funded research and development will lead to greater security and warns that other nations become more of a threat as they become more technologically advanced.

Democrats and many Republicans support the policy, but Republicans concerned about the budget deficit, called deficit hawks, are shying away from the initiative.

The White House has proposed $50 billion in research and development and $86 billion in research tax incentives over the next ten years, causing deficit hawks concern. With mounting debt and expensive operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the budget is wearing thin.

But proponents of the initiative say research, development, and education are essential to America’s economic success. In order to maintain our high standard of living, the United States must remain competitive in the world market.

A threat we’ve heard before

Warnings of India and China’s growing economic power echo President Ronald Reagan’s fear of Japan in the 1980s. The Reagan administration worried that Japan’s technological expertise would overshadow America’s, and the alarm prompted education reforms.

Although Japan turned out to be less of a threat than Reagan feared, some economic analysts say it’s different this time around. They say changes in communications and technology have birthed a new global economy that demands rapid technological advancement and cheap talent. Experts who study China point out that children there are taught that their job is to study and learn - and they work at it six days a week without long vacations. There are some American parents who object to what they feel is too much homework and summer reading lists.

What do you think?

Is learning a national responsibility or mainly an individual one? Does the U.S. need to invest in research, technology, and education in order to remain dominant? What would it mean for America to fall behind? Should the federal government fund research and development projects or is that the business world’s responsibility?

Your input matters

Your representatives in Congress DO care what you think. Especially now -- 2006 is an election year and many representatives will be looking to reconnect with their constituents. Let your congressmen and women know what you think! Give your senators a piece of your mind! To find your reps, click here.

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Article Posted on: 7/1/2006