APLU Statement on Senator Durbin’s Introduction of the American Innovation Act

APLU President Peter McPherson released the following statement regarding U.S. Senator Richard Durbin’s (D-IL) planned introduction of the American Innovation Act.

“APLU applauds Senator Durbin’s upcoming introduction of the American Innovation Act, which would reinvigorate U.S. investments in scientific research and put us on a path toward closing the innovation deficit. Coupled with a strong public higher education system, scientific research has led to countless technological breakthroughs and served as the foundation for our nation’s economic success and global innovation leadership.

“In recent years, however, U.S. investment in scientific research has eroded while other economic competitors such as China, Korea, and Singapore have dramatically boosted their funding. This has created an innovation deficit that we must confront. The American Innovation Act would help reverse the innovation deficit by lifting the misguided budget caps specifically for needed funding increases for the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy Office of Science, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Science Directorate. In doing so, we will allow for the steady growth that these agencies need to support the research that will lead to even greater technological breakthroughs and advancements that will power our economy forward and improve the quality of life for all Americans.”