Key provisions supported by U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) were included in a bipartisan bill to boost American competitiveness and innovation that President Barack Obama is expected to soon sign into law.
The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, S. 3084, outlines investments in innovation and steps to use research and development to improve U.S. competitiveness.
The bill includes provisions of the Research and Development Efficiency Act, H.R. 1119, that Comstock introduced to establish an interagency working group to reduce administrative burdens on federally supported researchers and bolster transparency.
“Northern Virginia is home to many professionals who are conducting significant research in a variety of fields leading to innovative breakthroughs,” Comstock said. “Reports indicate that researchers spend on average 42 percent of their time on administrative requirements instead of conducting vital research.”
Provisions from Comstock’s bill that were incorporated in the broader legislative package would ensure that more federal dollars are spent directly on important research.
“By limiting redundant regulations and focusing our research dollars more efficiently, the included provisions from my legislation clear the way for researchers to do their job without being bogged down under a mountain of paperwork,” Comstock said.
S. 3084 also includes provisions from legislation that U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) co-sponsored, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act.
The provisions would expand and enhance the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which provides resources for small and medium-sized manufacturers to compete globally.
In a joint statement, Collins and co-sponsor U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME) said manufacturing has always driven economic prosperity and job creation in Maine.
“To continue that success in this globally competitive economy will require forging new relationships, increasing collaboration among public and private sectors and prioritizing innovation — all of which Maine MEP does day-in and day-out in support of manufacturers throughout the state,” the senators said. “This legislation will enhance Maine MEP’s ability to provide critical resources to companies that will create jobs and spur economic growth.”