Legislation Calls for Products Developed with Federal Research Dollars Be Manufactured in America

WASHINGTON, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In order to advance federal research and development efforts, grow the pipeline of future scientists and stimulate American job growth, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) will introduce legislation, The American Discoveries - American Jobs Commission Act of 2011 when Congress returns next week.  This bill seeks to establish a commission to study and recommend improvements to the existing system of federally funded research.  The commission would examine the possibilities for collecting government royalties from research which leads to the commercialization of profitable products in order to further invest in new discoveries.  The commission is further directed to ensure products developed with federal research are manufactured in the United States, guaranteeing broader benefits from initial investments.

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The Federal government spends approximately $130 billion annually on research and development to assist federal agencies in their duties.  Over the years, this research has led to new products and processes such as antibiotics, plastics, airplanes, computers, microwaves, and bioengineered drugs. These types of innovations are responsible for up to one-half the growth of the U.S. economy and are the principal driving force in the nations' long-term economic prosperity.

Fattah previewed the legislation to attendees at the National Summit of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, this week.  "The Federal government should be able to claim royalties from its own investment in early research then reinvest those royalties in science, technology, engineering and math education and future federal research," Fattah said.  "If new or improved products are on the commercial market because of federal research dollars then they should be stamped 'Made in America.'"

Currently, royalties derived from intellectual property rights provide the academic community an alternative way to support further research and the business sector a means to obtain a return on its financial contribution.  The federal government, according to Fattah, should be given the same consideration.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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