Sowing The Seeds Through Science And Engineering Research Act

Floor Speech

SOWING THE SEEDS THROUGH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH ACT -- (House of Representatives - April 24, 2007)

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Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong bipartisan support of H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research. Before my election to Congress, I spent my entire academic and professional career as a scientist, as a mathematician and an engineer.

I was particularly concerned when I read the sobering conclusions of the National Academies' ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' about America's declining competitiveness in a science and technology-based global economy. The report calls for an immediate action to maintain America's competitive advantage, and I agree with those recommendations.

We are already moving forward to carry out some of the report's recommendations in an effort to renew interest in scientific development. H.R. 363 will provide grants to support young researchers in the early stages of their careers to engage in the high-risk, high-reward innovative research that challenges existing assumptions. The bill also establishes a Presidential Innovation Award to stimulate scientific and engineering advances in the public interest.

As a Nation, we face many daunting and almost overwhelming challenges, the solutions to which will require serious and dedicated scientific research. Conclusive research can take years, so we must work now to inspire today's students and researchers to take up such scientific pursuits. This bill provides just the right kind of specific incentives to compel young researchers to do the kind of pioneering and groundbreaking research that will yield dividends for the public interest.

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Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of Mrs. Gillibrand's amendment to H.R. 363.

Our universities and research institutes lead the world in innovation. Today we stand at the cusp of new breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine, to computer technology and renewable energy.

Unfortunately, too few of our undergraduates are choosing to enter science-related fields. In order to continue our remarkable record of achievement, we must do a better job of encouraging students to pursue careers in science, mathematics and engineering. This amendment will provide scholarships for science students from low- and moderate-income families, and will help young Americans realize their potential.

We have a chance today to open new doors for our children, and we should seize this opportunity. This amendment will benefit students and our Nation. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in support of this amendment.

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