Both candidates support the permanent extension of the research and experimentation tax credit to encourage industry to invest more in research. Gore says he'll facilitate its use by small businesses, and Bush asks why the additional cost doesn't show up in his budget calculations. They point to their education proposals as the way to train more highly qualified U.S. workers. Bush promises to work for legal reforms to curb lawsuits that he claims often saddle companies with unnecessary costs and would aim to make regulation less burdensome. Likewise, neither has expressed an opinion on whether cable TV companies that offer Internet service should be subject to the same open access rules that apply to telephone companies that provide Internet service.
Differences are apparent in several areas of health policy.
Bush supports the continuation of a ban on the use of federal funds for research on stem cells taken from human embryos, but he would not interfere with commercial research in this area. Gore supports the new administration policy of allowing federally funded research on stem cells from human embryos, provided that nonfederal researchers obtain the cells. Of course, this decision has nothing to do with the importance of stem cell research and everything to do with abortion politics. Besides, neither candidate wants to limit this research in the commercial sector, where much of the research will be conducted. Bush wants to extend health care to the uninsured by subsidizing the purchase of private insurance.