WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to help increase America's competitiveness in the global marketplace, the United States Senate today passed the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promoted Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act of 2007 (America Competes Act) by a vote of 88 to 8. The legislation will increase investment in research and strengthen educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from elementary through graduate school to help the United States fortify its position as a world leader in technology and innovation. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who supported the legislation, stated, "In a global economy, it is essential that the United States remains on the cutting edge of science and technology. This legislation will help provide essential resources for education and research to ensure our nation remains a leader in innovation and that our businesses can effectively compete in the global marketplace." The America Competes Act combines several pieces of legislation responding to recommendations contained in a National Academies report entitled "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" and the Council on Competitiveness's "Innovate America" report. In March, the bill was the subject of a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, of which Senator Reed is a member. During the hearing Senator Reed and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates discussed the importance of providing math and science teachers with additional resources to ensure more American students are prepared for college and to enter a highly-skilled workforce. The America Competes Act authorizes grants to colleges and universities to partner with high poverty schools to increase the number of high-quality math and science teachers in our nation's classrooms, incorporating important concepts from the Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Education Professionals (PRREP) Act, which Reed has introduced in previous years. These provisions ensure that prospective and new teachers have the effective teaching skills, including the ability to effectively manage a classroom and work with parents to improve their children's education; clinical experiences prior to entering the classroom; and induction and professional development opportunities during their first years of teaching. "A quality education begins with high quality teachers," said Reed. "This legislation will help to ensure that our teachers have the essential skills to ensure that America's young people are prepared." The legislation also authorizes funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which assists small manufacturers and helps boost productivity, sales, investments in modernization, and employment. Reed supported an amendment to authorize an increase in funding for the program by $21 million over the next four years. In Rhode Island, the program has helped manufacturers increase their productivity and helped to stimulate job growth. "Our nation has always been a leader in technology and innovation. It is crucial that we take steps now to ensure that this continues in the future. I am pleased the Senate passed this important legislation to keep America moving forward," concluded Reed.