SAN JOSE – The Semiconductor Industry Association issued a statement thanking the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee for approving funding increases for science and engineering research in the supplemental appropriations bill before Congress this week.

“Science and engineering research is the backbone of American innovation, and we thank leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee for underscoring this message by appropriating increases in research funding,” said SIA president George Scalise. “Funding for basic research is one of the three components of the U.S. innovation agenda and is critical to ensuring America’s continued innovation and technological leadership in the global economy.”

The fiscal 2008 consolidated appropriations bill reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee last Thursday includes $300 million for basic research in the physical sciences and engineering, one important component of the U.S. innovation agenda. The bill appropriates $200 million for science and engineering research and math and science education, at the National Science Foundation, and $100 million for science and engineering research at the Office of Science in the Department of Energy.

“We are encouraged by this important step toward boosting U.S. competitiveness and urge both chambers of Congress to include these critical research appropriations in the final bill. In addition, we urge the Administration and the Congress to take meaningful action on remaining components of the Innovation Agenda, including reforming the immigration system for highly educated workers and extending an enhanced R&D tax credit,” said SIA chairman Willem Roelandts.

“Other nations have already adopted the components of an innovation agenda that our nation continues to talk about. Congress and the Administration now have an opportunity to fulfill a bipartisan commitment they made to American innovators,” Scalise said.