WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. to begin the committee’s work on the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, which funds government research and development initiatives that are critical to maintaining the country’s global advantage in these important areas. This hearing will examine why the federal government must invest in research and development and STEM education, and how these investments drive innovation and the U.S. economy.

Currently, the federal government funds 31 percent of all research and development in the U.S. This seed funding has played a major role in the advancement of high-tech industries such as computing, aerospace and biotechnology. However, in recent years the U.S. has fallen behind its competitors in investments in these important fields due to the sequester and other budget cuts. Following the government shutdown, The Science Coalition released a report that reinforced the vital role of federal scientific research investments in the creation of successful new companies and new jobs. 

Please note the hearing will be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website.  Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to automatically begin streaming the webcast.

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid or service, including closed captioning service for webcast hearings, should contact Stephanie Gamache at 202-224-5511 at least three business days in advance of the hearing date.

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