Floor Statements

Mr. President, I thank Senator Alexander for his leadership over so many years on education issues confronting this country and making sure every child in America has the opportunity to fulfill their full potential. I thank him also for his work on this bipartisan effort to do something very unusual for government and also for public education, which is actually to begin an inquiry about not what the next rule or regulation should be but whether there are rules and regulations that are now obsolete or whether our State regulations and Federal regulations are actually not accounting for each other in any way other than to overburden the people who are actually teaching our kids and our kids themselves.

I used to spend a lot of time when I was superintendent of Denver public schools wondering why everybody in Washington was so mean to our teachers and to our kids. Now that I have been here for a couple years, I know the people here are not mean. But this Senate floor is a very long way from the classrooms of this country--the classrooms in Tennessee and the classrooms in Colorado. We have to remember what the effects of everything we do are on that moment when a teacher is in her classroom with 20, 30 kids and trying to do her best to make sure they move forward.

This is an opportunity to not show up with the answers but to ask questions of our teachers and principals and moms and dads and see what we can take away. I have learned something since I have been here, which is that an awful lot of the burden we are placing on people in schools and classrooms and the way in which State and Federal regulations interact with each other--if we can reduce that burden while at the same time elevating our accountability system, improve our accountability system, make sure we are holding everybody accountable for delivering the outcomes from our kids, that not only will we get better results but we are going to find that there is a lot more time in the schoolday and the school year for kids to have well-rounded education all across America.

I thank our former Education Secretary for his work, and I thank our current Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, for working with us on this initiative. I am so looking forward to having a conversation with people, where we are saying: What can we take away, rather than: What are we going to impose on you now?

Mr. President, I will add one more example to this from my experience in Denver. We complied with No Child Left Behind in the Denver public schools. But there was something that didn't make sense to me and to our teachers and our families, which is that we thought we were asking and answering a completely irrelevant question when it came to accountability, which was: How did this year's fourth graders do compared to last year's fourth graders?

The accountability system in the United States is based upon that. What our teachers told me is: Michael, it is irrelevant because they are not the same kids.

They are right. So we moved to a system that asked the question: How did this group of fifth graders do compared to when they were fourth graders and third graders, compared to what every other child in Colorado with a statistically similar test history did as well. All of a sudden, we began to see places that were driving growth for kids but that were completely unrecognized by the Federal law. We saw other places where kids were achieving at high levels but were falling behind during the course of the year.

There is a lot of wisdom in this country about how to move our kids forward. What we have to do is tear down some of the barriers that are in the way of those good ideas. It took me a long time to get that performance system signed off on both at the State and Federal levels. The State of Colorado has a growth model, and we are talking about growth models all over the country as a result of the work we did in Colorado and the good work that has been done in other States as well.

Sometimes people ask: Why is it so hard to scale quality in public education? If we can, in some small way, tear down some of the unintended barriers to that scaling of quality education, I think our kids will be better for it.

Again, I thank the Senator from Tennessee for signing up on this initiative. I look forward to learning what is working well and what is not working so well in our respective States and watching this spread across the United States. I thank the Chair.

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the importance of a landmark piece of legislation, the Clean Air Act. Congress passed the Clean Air Act over 40 years ago with broad bipartisan support from both Chambers of Congress, and President Nixon wisely signed it into law. Since then, we have seen remarkable benefits to the health of our Nation. We have seen significant reductions in pollution from lead, mercury, sulfur dioxide, and a host of other contaminants. America reduced pollution and made remarkable strides in improving public health even while our economy adjusted and thrived. In fact, the Clean Air Act has a long track record of promoting job creation and economic growth while reducing pollution.

The economic benefits of the Clean Air Act are significant. For every $1 spent on Clear Air Act protections, we get $30 of public health benefits in return.

In the year 2010 alone, the Clean Air Act saved 160,000 lives and avoided millions of cases of pollution-related illness, including 1.7 million cases of asthma exacerbation, 130,000 heart attacks, 86,000 emergency room visits, 3.2 million lost school days, and 13 million lost work days.

This is a profoundly important law. It protects every single American from the types of pollution that can cause asthma attacks, lost school days for young children, emergency room visits, heart attacks, strokes, and even premature deaths.

The House of Representatives recently passed a continuing resolution for the remainder of the fiscal year that would make truly Draconian cuts to Clean Air Act funding and authority. These policy riders do not belong in the 7-month budget. And I am glad the Senate recently voted down that legislation.

Upon passage of the House bill, the American Lung Association, which is the leading organization working to save American lives from the ravages of lung disease, said:

The House of Representatives also adopted amendments that

would block implementation of the Clean Air Act and its

lifesaving protections . . .

These provisions and others adopted by the House would

result in millions of Americans--including children, seniors

and people with chronic disease such as asthma--being forced

to breathe air that is unhealthy.

Breathing air pollution can cause asthma attacks, heart

attacks, strokes, cancer and shortened lives.

That is coming from one of the most respected public health organizations in the world telling us that this weakening of the Clean Air Act would have dire public health consequences, that more Americans will get sick from toxic pollution.

We can and should be flexible and listen to the industries affected by the law, but we cannot undermine its purpose. Legitimate concerns about regulation should be addressed so we can prosper and grow jobs in the United States of America. It is important that the Clean Air Act be enforced in a commonsense manner that is workable for American businesses, but we cannot abandon its core charges--to preserve public health and ensure the cleanliness of the air we breathe.

I know there is often tension between the EPA, the regulated community, and stakeholders seeking to navigate the Clean Air Act, and there probably always will be. Our economy functions best and in a way that is best for our citizens when we seek a robust Clean Air Act and are responsive to the needs of our economy.

An example of this working well is recent praise that the administration received from the CEO of a leading energy company, who said:

When I look at what EPA has done so far . . . it's actually

been pretty moderate.

When the same CEO was asked whether Congress should delay the administrations's work to protect public health for 2 years, he said:

That's just two more years of uncertainty where I think a

lot of the investment will remain on the sideline in our

industry instead of being invested in technology. We know how

to build . . . I don't support delay for those reasons.

I support continued implementation of the Clean Air Act and will oppose efforts to undermine this important law. For my part, the decision is very simple: We should let doctors and scientists dictate our public health policy instead of politicians. I hope my friends on both sides of the aisle will come to this same conclusion as well and vote against efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act.

For more than 40 years, we have seen that protecting the air we breathe does not have to come at a cost to the Nation's economy. Both can improve, both must improve hand in hand.

To close, I would like to reiterate that the Clean Air Act has been successful in reducing levels of dozens of dangerous air pollutants and protecting the health of millions of Americans, all while our economy grew. This is a landmark law that has had strong bipartisan support for decades. The Senate should not weaken it.

Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and heroic service of SPC Joshua R. Campbell. Specialist Campbell, assigned to the 546th Transportation Company, based in Fort Bragg, NC, died on January 29, 2011, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Specialist Campbell was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was 22 years old.

A native of Bennett, CO, Specialist Campbell enlisted in the Army in 2008. He served a tour of duty in Afghanistan, during which his commanders recognized his extraordinary bravery and talent. Specialist Campbell's decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the NATO Medal.

During his 2 years of service, Specialist Campbell distinguished himself through his courage, dedication to duty, and absolute commitment to his fellow soldiers. Fellow soldiers remember him as a consummate professional with an unending commitment to excellence. They remember his generous character and positive disposition.

Specialist Campbell's family remembers him as a dedicated son, husband, and father. They also remember him as someone always willing to reach out and help others.

Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' Specialist Campbell's service was in keeping with this sentiment--by selflessly putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He lived with a sense of the highest honorable purpose.

At substantial personal risk, he braved the chaos of combat zones throughout Afghanistan. And though his fate on the battlefield was uncertain, he pushed forward, protecting America's citizens, her safety, and the freedoms we hold dear. For his service and the lives he touched, Specialist Campbell will forever be remembered as one of our country's bravest.

To Specialist Campbell's entire family--I cannot imagine the sorrow you must be feeling. I hope that, in time, the pain of your loss will be eased by your pride in Joshua's service and by your knowledge that his country will never forget him. We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice.

Mr. President, I rise today, March 8, to celebrate International Women's Day, on which we honor the economic, political, and social achievements of women in Colorado and across the world. It also happens to be the 100-year anniversary of International Women's Day. For 100 years, diverse nations have spoken as one to honor the achievements of women and look forward hopefully to a future with greater economic opportunities for all women, including my three daughters, Caroline, Halina, and Anne.

I would like to celebrate today by discussing ways that we can build toward that future and create better economic opportunities for women in all countries--from Afghanistan to Zambia, two countries which, incidentally, celebrate International Women's Day as an official holiday.

All too often, in many developing countries, women represent a disproportionate number of the poor. According to the United Nations Development Program, women represent 60 percent of the 1.4 billion people living on less than $1.25 a day. They also lack access to the same educational and health services as men. For example, two-thirds of the world's illiterate people are women.

These disparities are stark, and their causes are the product of historical second-class citizenship for women. Such historical disadvantages are pervasive and systemic. Only with the determined effort of the international community can we begin to break down these barriers and foster true economic opportunities for women.

Many women and girls are trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty because of their limited access to basic financial services. Women often manage the household and produce food for the entire family, but they are unable to save money, protect against calamity, or obtain a small loan--simple banking tools you and I take for granted.

For example, 75 percent of the world's women cannot obtain formal bank loans, partly because they lack permanent employment, capital, and assets, such as land. In some countries, like Burkina Faso, laws do not specifically discriminate against women, but they do establish landowner criteria that effectively exclude women.

One way to bridge this gap is to connect women with access to financial services and microfinance. Very small loans can help some women start and expand small businesses. Others need a safe place to store money as they save for school fees and health care services for their children. Some small businesswomen and female heads of households wish to purchase simple forms of insurance to protect against unexpected illnesses, which can often wipe a family out. By increasing women's access to such basic financial services, we can help countless women weather unexpected storms and gain agency over their economic well-being.

Creating economic and financial opportunities for women worldwide is the right thing to do, and it is also the smart thing to do. In countries like Pakistan and Yemen, supporting women can lead to measurable progress in the economic success of families and the direction of tomorrow's youth. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, these efforts can help small-scale, subsistence farmers, most of whom are women, prevent future food crises and help stabilize struggling democracies.

Mr. President and all other Members here today, please join me in celebrating International Women's Day by supporting efforts to expand economic opportunities for women around the world.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 9; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; that following any leader remarks, there be a period of morning business until 10:40 a.m., with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees, with the majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half; that at 10:40 a.m., the Senate recess

until 12 noon for a joint meeting with the Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia; that following the joint meeting, the Senate reconvene at 12 noon and proceed to the consideration of H.R. 1, as provided under the previous order.

Mr. President, Senators are encouraged to gather in the Senate Chamber at 10:40 a.m., and we will proceed as a body to the Hall of the House at 10:45, for the joint meeting of Congress.

Furthermore, Senators should expect two rollcall votes at 3 p.m. tomorrow on passage of H.R. 1, the Defense appropriations and long-term continuing resolution for fiscal year 2011 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye, which is amendment No. 149.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under the previous order.

Mr. President, I thank Chairman Leahy for working to pass an amendment I introduced last week with Senator Udall to authorize the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO, to establish three or more satellite offices. This amendment will go a long way toward improving the efficiency and quality at the USPTO.

I really appreciate the chairman and ranking member for working with us to modify the amendment's language in order to address colleagues' concerns on both sides of the aisle. We struck a good balance to not tie the hands of the USPTO, allow the Office to take advantage of the work it has done on the satellite office concept, and ensure

that PTO can have an open, competitive process in making determinations for future regional satellite offices. At this moment, I would like to invite the senior Senator from Colorado, Mark Udall, to enter into a colloquy to discuss this amendment.

The establishment of regional satellite offices will help the USPTO recruit and retain workers from across the country. Regional offices will draw local scientists, engineers and patent attorneys into the USPTO, which add real world expertise to the patent review process. They will also increase outreach activities and connection to patent filers; enhance the ability of the USPTO to recruit and retain patent examiners; and improve the quality and pendency for patent applications.

In short, USPTO Director Kappos has already taken steps toward establishing regional satellite offices. Our amendment is intended to build on this prior work, which I believe provides a good foundation for the USPTO improving its footprint in innovation centers across the country. I know Senator Udall and I will be advocating for a regional satellite office in Denver, and of course we expect other advocates to point out the merits of their potential sites as well.

I agree with the Senator. We need to be maximizing our human capital. I have heard from a number of more senior patent attorneys and engineers in Denver that would love to work for the USPTO but cannot uproot their families across the country. Having a satellite office in places like Denver will make sure we are taking advantage of these high-skilled workers.

While our amendment provides for an open process and does not constrain the USPTO in making determinations for future offices, we do hope that the Office can build on its decision making process in 2010. This process ultimately led to the selection of Detroit as an initial regional satellite. While Senator Udall and I were disappointed that Colorado wasn't selected, we respect the thoroughness of the USPTO's review and do not want all of its hard work in reviewing locations across the country to go to waste.

I fully agree with Senator Udall. There are a number of clear, objective reasons why Colorado should be a regional satellite location for the USPTO. My understanding is that in 2010 the USPTO applied a number of criteria to review numerous site possibilities. This criteria included patents granted, per capita; scientists and engineers in the State, per capita; proximity to law schools and major research institutions; number of patent attorneys and agents; number of teleworking PTO patent examiners; and presence of Federal employees, office space. This approach makes sense. By all accounts--and I admit I am biased here--Denver is at the top. It is my strong view that when you factor in our central location and accessibility to the rest of the country, it makes sense for an office to be located in Denver.

I thank the Senator.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I would like to speak briefly on the importance of passing the America Invents Act.

Chairman Leahy and the Judiciary Committee have worked hard to put this product on the floor that will mark the biggest reforms to our patent system in 60 years. This bill will create jobs in Colorado and across the country by promoting innovation. By making our patent system more efficient, we are building the foundation for future economic growth.

In my State alone, nearly 20,000 patent applications have been granted between the years 2000 and 2009. These applications have created the foundation for our clean energy economy and emerging tech and bio industries.

Having a high quality U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is essential to maintaining American leadership in innovation. The America Invents Act will help us grow new industries and will help cure the backlog and delay that have stunted the ability of inventors to patent their ideas.

Right now, the average pendency period for a patent application is 36 months. That is unacceptable if we are to compete with the rest of the world. This does not even account for those patents that have been tied up in years of litigation after they are granted.

And we have improved the bill on the floor by helping solidify alternatives to litigation, provide for more efficient resolution of disputes and help create more certainty, which is essential to inventors.

It is hard to pass a jobs bill without spending money, but that is absolutely what we have done here. The bill does a good job of balancing the interests of innovators across the many sectors of our economy.

We have passed a number of bipartisan amendments that have improved this bill. We added amendments promoting the establishment of satellite USPTO offices in regions across the country; creating a discount for small entities to participate in the accelerated patent examination program of the USPTO; and addressing concerns with damages and venue provisions. I am proud to have worked with the chairman and the ranking member to get these issues resolved.

I also commend Senator Menendez on his amendment to provide a fast track for patents that are critical for our national competitiveness, which I cosponsored.

The Senate has come a long way toward improving our patent system with this legislation and harmonizing our system with the rest of the world. There are a lot of people in my State who are interested in further improvements. I pledge to continue to work with them to help make sure we continue to fine tune this legislation where we can.

The America Invents Act represents significant progress for our patent system. We are moving our patent system into the new century, which is already being defined by the next wave of American innovation. The breadth of support for this legislation across industries and from large and small businesses, as well as our universities, has provided the momentum to complete this legislation.

I would like to close by again thanking the chairman and Judiciary Committee. I urge my colleagues to vote for patent reform.

I thank the Chair. I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor the students and staff at Fort Lupton Middle School, whose relentless hard work and dedication to improving student achievement and setting students on the course toward success has earned the school the title of National Middle School of the Year.

The award is presented by the National Association of Middle School Principals to schools that go the extra mile to address the needs of students at the middle school level through academics and activities. And Fort Lupton Middle School's teachers and students are willing to go that extra mile and then some.

In a story published earlier this year in the Fort Lupton Press, sixth-grade language arts teacher Liz McCachren said that most people assume that her job as a middle school teacher isn't very fun. ``I want people to know that it's not scary,'' she said. ``There's nothing scary about these kids or this building. It's a really good middle school. . . . The students just make my day brighter. Every day, I can't wait to be here. That's why this school is unique. Because we like each other. We work together.''

By working together, the teachers at Fort Lupton created Power Hour, giving students time to do their homework while teachers are available to assist. And it is not just teachers working together. Students are taking ownership of their education and helping one another succeed. Through the program ``Where Everybody Belongs,'' Fort Lupton eighth graders serve as mentors for incoming sixth graders, so they adjust to their new school and surroundings and are better equipped for success.

Programs like these help lay the groundwork for student success, and they have built a sense of pride and community at Fort Lupton Middle School. These kids are excited and eager to learn, and they are setting a wonderful example for their peers across the state of Colorado and the country.

As we continue to push forward to do the important work of improving public education and make sure our public schools prepare our kids to be leaders in the 21st century economy, we must continue to listen to the voices, ideas and aspirations of principals, parents and students, like those at Fort Lupton Middle School.

I join all members of the Fort Lupton community and the State of Colorado in congratulating these bright kids and their teachers for a job well done and look forward to their continued success.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on March 3, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. in SR 328A.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on March 3, 2011, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on March 3, 2011, at 9:30 a.m., in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on March 3, 2011, at 2:30 p.m., to hold a hearing entitled, ``Navigating a Turbulent Global Economy--Implications for the United States.''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate, on March 3, 2011, at 10 a.m., in SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct an executive business meeting.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on March 3, 2011, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Closing the Gap: Exploring Minority Access to Capital and Contracting Opportunities.''

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on March 3, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I would like to speak briefly on my amendment to strike the damages and venue provisions from this legislation. I thank the chairman and committee for working with my office on this important amendment and incorporating it into the managers' amendment.

I know the committee has been working tirelessly to address concerns with this bill, and I applaud their efforts for trying to build consensus.

As I discussed yesterday, I believe a well-functioning patent system is critical for our economic growth. The reforms in this legislation will promote innovation and create jobs.

In my State alone, nearly 20,000 patent applications have been granted between the years 2000 and 2009. These applications have created the foundation for our clean energy economy and emerging tech and bio industries.

Small inventors start new Colorado companies, and more established companies are able to expand their operations in a very competitive, knowledge-based economy.

An efficient and high-quality U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is essential to maintaining American leadership in innovation. The improvements to the patent system in this bill will help us grow new industries and will help cure the backlog and delay that has stunted the ability of inventors to patent their ideas.

Right now, the average pendency period for a patent application is 36 months. That is unacceptable if we are to compete with the rest of the world. This doesn't even account for those patents that have been tied up in years of litigation after they are granted.

This is why we need to ensure that patent owners have certainty. Consistency, uniformity, and fairness are essential to innovation.

Prolonged litigation and legal uncertainty only serve to stifle the incentive to innovate. We need clarity and efficient review by the courts to make sure we don't have a system where patents are tied up for years. Likewise, we also need to make sure there is a fair outcome where there is an infringement. Those whose rights are infringed have every right to take their case to court and receive the appropriate damages.

This is why I introduced my amendment on damages and venue. We need more certainty for patent owners, and I think portions of the bill may not do enough in this regard, in the face of litigation. In fact, the venue and damages portions of the bill may actually generate more uncertainty, not less.

The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals has made significant progress on damages and venue issues. The courts are moving in the right direction, and I believe it is wiser to allow this process to run its course than to add a new layer of laws that could only serve to confuse patent litigants. So in my view, congressional intervention on damages and venue is not needed at this time.

I would like to close by again thanking the chairman for his leadership and willingness to take into account the views of others on these important issues.

Mr. President, I thank Chairman Leahy, Senator Grassley, Senator Hatch, and all of the members of the Judiciary Committee for their hard work on patent reform. Moving this bill forward has been a difficult task. I look forward to supporting the bill as we are in the process of amending it and improving it.

This legislation is critical for our economic growth if we are going to rebuild our economy and win the future. We need to make sure our patent system promotes research and development, investment, job creation, and global competitiveness.

This evening, I want to call up two amendments to this legislation that I believe address the need for efficiency and quality at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. President, I call up amendment No. 116, which is at the desk.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

My first amendment, cosponsored by Senator Ayotte, can help small businesses utilize the Patent Office's Track I program by reducing their fees for participating. Track I allows applicants to get their patent processed more quickly, but the cost can be burdensome for small entities. This amendment would reduce small business costs by 50 percent.

This Track I program will give applicants the opportunity for prioritized examination of a patent within 12 months of its filing date. On average, the pendency period for first action was 25.7 months in 2010 and 35.3 months for final disposition. By moving this process along for small businesses, we will stimulate business activity and create jobs.

The 50-percent discount is in line with other small entity filing fee discounts offered by the Patent and Trademark Office and will ensure startups and smaller inventors will be at a more level playing field in order to take advantage of Track I.

I encourage my colleagues to support my small business amendment at the appropriate time.

Mr. President, I yield to the chairman.

I thank the Senator from Vermont for his leadership and for his kind words about the amendment.

Amendment No. 117

At this time, I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment and call up my second amendment, which is currently at the desk.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. President, my amendment provides for the establishment of three regional satellite PTO

offices in the next 3 years. The Patent and Trademark Office has struggled to hire and retain over 6,000 examiners at a single location in Alexandria, VA. This has resulted in one-third of patent examiners having been with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for less than 3 years. Ideally, the Patent and Trademark Office would recruit examiners from all across the country, leveraging regional expertise.

The PTO recently recognized this weakness in our patent infrastructure by announcing an initial satellite pilot in Detroit, MI. My amendment seeks to support this effort and further connect innovators to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The establishment of satellite offices will help the USPTO to recruit and retain workers from across the country. Regional offices will draw local scientists, engineers, and patent attorneys into the USPTO, which add real-world expertise to the patent review process.

Regional satellite offices will also increase outreach activities and connection to patent filers, enhance the ability of the USPTO to recruit and retain patent examiners, and improve the quality and pendency for patent applications.

Europe currently uses four patent offices as a recruitment tool and is known for the ability to attract and retain highly qualified examiners. In short, the limitations of our lone patent office are placing our economy at a competitive disadvantage. It is essential, therefore, that we establish satellite offices in locations that will connect innovators and businesses across the country.

I ask Senators to support my amendment at the appropriate time.

Again, I thank the chairman for his leadership, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of this body to craft a good piece of legislation that helps America take the lead in the world's increasingly competitive innovation economy.