In the wake of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, Americans are engaged in a vigorous debate on how to create jobs, foster long-term growth, and enhance our global economic competitiveness. While there are many different perspectives, almost everyone agrees on this: The fate of our economy, the hopes of our children, and the viability of the American Dream begin and end with education.

Not long ago, America was the unquestioned leader in education. But those days are gone, and the rest of the world is catching up. Today, we are running in place or falling behind. The statistics tell an alarming story. High school dropout rates are approaching 30% for all students and nearly 50% for minorities. More than half of U.S. science and engineering postdoctoral students are on temporary visas from other countries. And even though IBM topped the 2009 list of new patents awarded, only 4 U.S. companies were in the top 10. We can't continue on this course and expect to compete and win in the worldwide economy.

That's why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act. This legislation would improve the number and quality of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teachers, increase support for STEM students at the postsecondary level, attract underrepresented groups to STEM courses and careers, support basic research, and establish programs that will help create new forms of energy and commercialize new innovations.

The America COMPETES Act puts the focus right where it should be--on increasing the number of American students proficient in STEM and ensuring that we have sufficient R&D funding to drive innovation and propel technological progress. That's why we also support the permanent extension of the R&D tax credit. It will encourage needed investments in important areas of the economy such as renewable energy, energy efficiency technologies, health care, and biotechnology.

But we can't stop here--we must better utilize Americans who already have these skills. For example, there are thousands of civilian and military personnel who have extensive STEM education and training. Unfortunately, their professional certifications often don't translate between the military and civilian worlds.

Many contentious issues are being debated in Congress and across the country, but reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, permanent extension of the R&D tax credit, and fixing certifications shouldn't be held back because of politics. The facts are clear, the need is urgent, and the benefits are undeniable. Let's get on with it.