Press Releases

Included in House-Passed Bill to Spur Innovation and Create Jobs

Washington, DC – Today, a provision written by U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) that added the Great Lakes in a research program to study the effects of climate change passed the House as part of the America Competes Act.

On her provision, Congresswoman Moore said, “It’s common sense – if we’re going to be looking at the effects of climate change on our oceans, we should look at the Great Lakes too.  The environmental health of Lake Michigan is critical to our region’s economy.  From shipping to tourism to manufacturing to fishing, jobs rely on a healthy Lake Michigan.”

The overall legislation reauthorizes research programs and improves science and math education to spur innovation, create jobs and bolster America’s scientific and economic leadership.

Congresswoman Moore said, “In order to lead in the 21st century global economy, we must refocus and redouble our efforts.  If we make the right, smart investments today, they will pay out in spades.  I’m not about to sit by and watch other countries build new technologies that we’d be left with no option but to buy from them.  This bill moves America forward and helps keep us as the world’s innovation leader.”

Specifically, the legislation will:

• Authorize increased funding for science research;
• Help provide loan guarantees to small and mid-sized manufacturers to help them expand and create jobs;
• Reauthorize the Advanced Energy Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) to develop energy technology here in America; and
• Improve science and math education including increasing participation by women and minorities.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.