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It is the sense of Congress that retaining graduate-level talent trained at American universities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses.
 
 
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1344, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
 
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
 
Mr. FLAKE. I thank the Chair. I believe this amendment is noncontroversial in nature. It merely adds sense of Congress language to the bill expressing that, ``retaining graduate-level talent trained at American universities in STEM fields is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses.''
 
According to the National Science Foundation, foreign students receive about half of all doctorates in engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, physics, and economics that are awarded in the United States. Unfortunately, growing backlogs in processing applications hamper the flexibility of U.S. employers to hire foreign-born talent with advanced degrees from American universities. These hurdles affect even doctoral graduates in STEM fields trained at U.S. universities, who either return home or seek employment in a country with a more welcoming immigration system. The loss of Ph.D. talent, trained at U.S. institutions and due to immigration redtape, to our competitors makes little sense, and it harms our economy.
 
Researchers at Duke University and the University of California-Berkeley found that from 1995 to 2005, more than a quarter of engineering and technology companies started in the U.S. had at least one foreign-born founder, and in 2006, these companies employed 450,000 workers and produced $52 billion in sales. This amendment is supported by COMPETE America, American Council on International Personnel, and TechAmerica.
 
I urge its adoption. This is important. We need to ensure that our economy is competitive moving forward, and we need to ensure that we have graduates in these STEM fields who can be here and lead these research efforts.
 
I reserve the balance of my time.
 
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to the amendment.
 
The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
 
There was no objection.
 
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of this good bipartisan amendment by my friend from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and Mr. Quigley from Illinois.
 
This amendment recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining the best and brightest young scientists from around the world here to the United States. The ability of our Nation to innovate and to compete in a global economy is built on a foundation of basic research. Our universities' postdoctoral fellows, master's and Ph.D. students serve as the engine that drives our research enterprise. It is essential that we retain these STEM workers in the U.S.
 
I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment, which makes a bipartisan bill even better, and I think it's the reason, Madam Chair, that this bill has received so much support. Over 1,000 major organizations and companies have endorsed this bill. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Business Roundtable, the Council on Competitiveness, the National Venture Capital Association TechAmerica, TechNet, Technology CEO Council, Telecommunications Industry Association, Energy Sciences Coalition, the Biotechnology Industry Association, on and on and on. So this is a good amendment to a good bill, and I urge its adoption.
 
Mr. FLAKE. I thank the gentleman, the chairman of the committee, for agreeing to accept his amendment and for his support of this initiative, and for the ability of our economy to keep those who will help lead them into the future and help ensure that jobs stay here as to the extent possible. I urge adoption of the amendment.
 
I yield back the balance of my time.
 
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I yield back the balance of my time.
 
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).
 
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
 
Mr. FLAKE. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
 
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will be postponed.
 
AMENDMENT NO. 51 OFFERED BY MR. SALAZAR
 
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 51 printed in part B of House Report 111-479.
 
Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 5116.
 
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.