This was a vote on an amendment offered by Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX) that would have eliminated a provision in a science and technology research bill creating a loan guarantee program for small manufacturers seeking to improve their competitiveness through technological innovation. The amendment also would have eliminated a provision in the bill creating a “regional innovation program” within the Commerce Department to help small businesses develop new technologies in order to improve competitiveness. In addition, the amendment would have eliminated an “Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” which the bill established to foster the commercialization of new technologies, products, and services.

Hall urged the House to support the amendment, arguing it eliminated provisions that would lead to “bigger government and calls for more spending in areas that go well beyond research and development and authorize potentially inappropriate and duplicative programs.”

Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) urged opposition to the amendment: “All the provisions [which Hall’s amendment sought to eliminate]…are aimed at looking at creating real world economic value for research and development…Title V [the section of the bill which contained the provisions the amendment would have eliminated] includes three important provisions to help spur innovation in this country…It establishes an Office of Innovation and Enterprise at the Department of Commerce to help turn the good ideas into new businesses, leading to economic growth and job creation. And, finally, it establishes a Regional Innovation Program at the Department of Commerce to empower local communities to leverage regional strengths to promote innovation.”

The House rejected Hall’s amendment by a vote of 163-258. 161 Republicans and 2 Democrats voted “yea.” 250 Democrats and 8 Republicans voted “nay.” As a result, the House rejected an amendment that would have eliminated provisions in a science and technology research bill creating a loan guarantee program for small manufacturers seeking to improve their competitiveness through technological innovation and creating a “regional innovation program” within the Commerce Department to help small businesses develop new technologies in order to improve competitiveness.