Stem Education Coordination Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1709, the STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009. I would like to thank Chairman Gordon as well as my colleagues on the Committee on Science and Technology for bringing this legislation to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to join me for its passage.

There is no doubt that being a leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM education, is essential for our Nation to be an economic leader in the 21st century. Our Nation already has the world's premier institutions of higher education, and my district in Colorado is home to some of the most prestigious leaders in research. The climate change research done at NCAR and at NOAA and the renewable energy research done at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have been great sources of pride for our community, as well as economic drivers for our State and our Nation.

In order to build upon these achievements, we must ensure that young Americans choose to and are given the tools to build careers in science. It is vital that our young people are exposed to STEM education early on. Early exposure, particularly for underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, will help spark a life-long interest in education in these fields. STEM education, just like the arts and athletics, is critical to a broad-based education that gives students the analytical skills that will ensure that the American labor force, whether one becomes a climatologist, an architect, or even a Member of Congress, is the smartest and most productive in the world.

STEM education makes communities across the Nation more self-reliant in rural and urban America alike. By removing barriers to STEM education, it will help all communities have a reliable, highly skilled workforce. We have the technology and the educators to bring knowledge to every corner of our Nation.

Madam Speaker, what we have lacked is the will. Today, we have the opportunity to vote on a bill that will help every community prepare the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The long-term economic benefits of this action are clear. But so, too, is the sense of pride when communities raise and graduate their own engineers who will design their own roadways and scientists who ensure that their next crop is healthy.

I would like to once again thank Chairman Gordon and the committee and his staff for bringing this terrific bill to the floor.

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