Building Blocks of Stem Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1665, the Building Blocks of STEM Act.

I was proud to join my colleague, the chair of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, Representative Haley Stevens, in introducing this legislation.

As one of only two Members of Congress with a Ph.D. in science, I understand how important it is to start children off on the right foot by teaching STEM concepts and principles at an early age. Research shows that kids as young as 1, 2, or 3 are capable of absorbing STEM concepts. Children have a natural curiosity that can be fostered into an interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science.

Equally important is ensuring that we get more girls involved in the STEM fields so that we can have as many people as possible contributing to the knowledge base of our society.

H.R. 1665 directs the NSF to fund research and studies that focus on early childhood and young women in STEM at the K-12 level. Investing in children early ensures that we are laying the groundwork to develop young innovators in STEM.

Hoosiers know that to grow our Nation, we need everyone involved. This bill helps ensure that we are preparing students to fill the jobs of the future, continuing America's global leadership in science and technology.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

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