Senate Nears Approval of Bill to Keep U.S. Lead in Technology

WASHINGTON—The Senate appeared poised Thursday to pass legislation aimed at helping the U.S. maintain its lead in technology amid rising competition from China and other nations.

The Senate bill—which has emerged as one of the few big bipartisan legislative efforts so far this year—began moving toward final passage after a 68-30 vote to proceed Thursday afternoon.

A final vote appeared likely Thursday night, although timing remained uncertain. The legislation also faces challenges reaching a final deal with the House.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), who has led the charge for the Innovation and Competition Act, said it would help the U.S. halt a gradual decline as the world’s leader in scientific research and innovation “and lay the foundation, instead, for another American century.”

“That’s why this is a moment in history that future generations could well look back on as a turning point for American leadership in the 21st century,” he said.