"America simply cannot continue along this course," said Gates in delivered to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which is holding a hearing on "Strengthening American Competitiveness for the 21st Century." Gates said the U.S. is facing serious problems in delivering a work force that can rise to the global challenge.

"When I reflect on the state of American competitiveness today, my immediate feeling is not only one of pride, but also of deep anxiety," Gates said in his prepared remarks. "Too often, we as a society are sacrificing the long-term good of our country in the interests of short-term gain."

Gates said in too many areas, the U.S. is "content to live off the investments that previous generations made for us -- in education, in health care, in basic scientific research -- but [is] unwilling to invest equal energy and resources into building on this legacy to ensure that America's future is as bright and prosperous as its present."

Many of the issues that Gates outlined are topics he has raised before in various speeches and op-ed pieces. But this hearing was unusual. Gates was listed as the only witness before a committee chaired by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.). Kennedy is working with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on a major immigration reform bill, an important focus of Gates.

Gates told the committee the U.S. should ensure that its students and workers have the skills to compete.