NEMA Applauds Action on America COMPETES Reauthorization Act.

Press Release Summary:



US House of Representatives voted to reauthorize HR 5116 America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which garnered applause from NEMA. Building on activities from initial 2007 Act, reauthorization legislation contributes to long-term energy technology by strengthening Advanced Research Projects Administration for Energy as well as bolstering spending in STEM education. Bill also reorganizes NIST to reflect multidisciplinary nature of technology and better meet needs of this century.



Original Press Release:



NEMA Applauds Final Congressional Action on America COMPETES Reauthorization Act



ROSSLYN, Va.-The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives vote yesterday to reauthorize HR 5116 America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, following Senate approval by unanimous consent late last week.

This legislation focuses on investing in the foundation of technical excellence and resulting global competitiveness, namely, research and development, education, and national policy direction in the physical sciences and in technology.

According to NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis, these three areas form the technical underpinning of the U.S. manufacturing community, without which it is impossible to effectively compete on a global basis.

"NEMA was an early backer of the original America COMPETES Act, and actively participated in the reauthorization activity this year through regular correspondence with committee staff, ensuring that our support was clearly heard throughout the process." Gaddis said.

Building upon the activities that commenced with the initial 2007 Act, NEMA sees the reauthorization legislation contributing to long-term energy technology, of which electricity is a key component, by further strengthening the Advanced Research Projects Administration for Energy, as well as bolstering spending in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

The bill also serves to reorganize the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to reflect the multidisciplinary nature of technology and better meet the needs of this century.

"Ongoing investment in these areas by the federal government must be coupled with close collaboration with the manufacturing community in order to create highly skilled jobs, contribute to long-term economic security, and improve our industry's international competitiveness. We urge President Obama to sign the act into law as soon as possible," Gaddis said.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association's Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.

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