The U.S. House of Representatives passed the America Competes Act on Thursday (367-57), increasing funding for basic science and math research and education programs by $33 million, including nearly doubling the budget of the National Science Foundation over the next 4 years.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi described the margin of the House vote as “veto-proof,” noting that it had the support of 143 Republicans. The Bush administration has not taken a firm position on the final bill. Administration officials have some concerns about spending levels in the bill, but agree with many of its provisions.
It’s a step in the right direction, finally.
