Building Blocks of Stem Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 737, 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 the House version of this legislation, which unanimously passed this Chamber in July, and am pleased to be speaking today on the nearly identical Senate version of the bill.

As one of only two members of Congress with a PhD in science, I understand the importance of teaching STEM concepts and principles at an early age.

Fostering the natural curiosity that children possess is critical to expanding their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math. Research confirms that kids as young as one, two, or three are capable of absorbing STEM concepts.

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

Like the House version, S. 737 directs NSF to fund research and grants that focus on early childhood and young women in STEM at the K through 12 level.

This bill helps ensure we are preparing our future workforce to fill the jobs of the future.

By passing this important legislation we will continue America's global leadership in science and technology.

I ask my colleagues to support the bill and send it to the President's desk for his signature.

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