Multiple bills are heading through Congress in response to the National Academies' 2005 report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm. The report forecast that America risks losing its scientific pre-eminence, and the associated economic benefits of remaining the world's high-tech leader; the document has been widely credited with moving the issue of high-tech competitiveness to the top of Congress's agenda and generating bipartisan support for a response. The focus of the bills is to improve America's competitiveness by boosting investment in innovation and science and math education. Many of the provisions being considered by Congress were proposed last year as part of the National Competitiveness Innovation Act, consideration of which was interrupted by the end of the Congressional session.

"[CCST's] report concludes that strengthening the teaching of math and science is crucial if California is to maintain its competitive edge and economic growth... it is imperative that we take steps to ensure that our children, as our future leaders, are fully prepared with the skills to take on the demands of the country's changing economy and workplace." Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator

S. 761, America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act

• Increases funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) from $6.8 billion in FY 2008 to $11.2 billion in FY 2011.
• Increases funding for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science from $4.6 billion in FY 2008 to over $5.2 billion in FY 2011.
• Authorizes $290 million over four years to establish a DOE Distinguished Scientists Program.
• Authorizes over $686 million to improve K-12 math and science education with a variety of programs.

HR 362, 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act
Provides more than $1.4 billion over four years to:

• Expand the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
• Improve high school math and science education through current and prospective teacher training
• Improve STEM baccalaureate quality and quantity

HR 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act
Provides more than $921 million over four years to:

• Fund programs within the NSF and the DOE that provide research grants to scientists and engineers in the early phases of their careers.
• Establish the National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure within the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

The House and Senate have not yet begun reconciling their respective versions. There are substantial variations in timetables - for example, the Senate bill doubles the NSF budget in only 5 years, compared to the House Science Committee's recommendation of 10. Further, the bills approved so far by the House and Senate only authorize increased spending; Congress and the President would have to provide funds by enacting separate appropriations bills.

Despite the differing opinions on the details between the House, Senate, and White House, there appears to be strong momentum for providing substantial funding to improve America's science and technology education and innovation infrastructure.

"This is the biggest piece of legislation in Congress this year because it goes right to the heart of how we keep our high standard of living," said Senator Lamar Alexander (R - Tennessee), one of the chief sponsors of the bill. "We can not take for granted one year longer our ability to globally compete."