US tech bill: Boost our team but retain foreign talent

The PACE Act provisions include doubling federal funding for basic research; scholarships for future math and science teachers; and an extension of research and development tax credit.

The bill also provides for the simplification of the visa process so that talented foreign science and math students are encouraged to stay in the US instead of returning to their home countries.

‘‘It provides an efficient student visa process for bright foreign students to contribute to our economic growth rather than be forced by an outdated immigration system to go home,’’ said Senator Domenici, who is the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Arguing that energising American brainpower must be prioritised, Domenici said: ‘‘There are troubling signs that we are not keeping pace with other advancing nations. We must change, and that change is reflected in the PACE Act.’’

Richard Lugar, who is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, ‘‘It is critical in framing the issue—whether for business leaders, students, parents, or teachers—that we are engaged in a competition for our prosperity, our jobs, and our future.

‘‘By encouraging math and science education and research opportunities, we are insuring US innovation and international compet itiveness,’’ said Lugar, who is also an original co-sponsor of the National Innovation Act, introduced last month. The NIA seeks to improve America’s scientific and manufacturing competitiveness through research investment, increasing science and technology talent.