In Support of H. Res. 91, Celebrating and Encouraging Diversity in Stem and Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the Association for Women in Science

Floor Speech

* Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 91, a resolution celebrating and encouraging diversity in Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM), and recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS).

* Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education is vital to our nation's ability to compete in the global marketplace, and ultimately fulfill goals set forth in this Congress and recently outlined by President Obama in his State of the Union Address. In our pursuit to win the future, we must not only ensure that our schools promote math and science, but that all students, especially those from traditionally underrepresented populations, engage in STEM education.

* Our nation will continue to require highly educated, well trained professionals to take on the careers of tomorrow, and we must strive to encourage diversity in STEM. America has been at the forefront of the world's technological advances for the last century; contributing to breakthroughs in medicine, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and numerous other fields. By helping foster a new generation of doctors, nurses, engineers, scientific researchers, and mathematicians, we can continue to contribute to this legacy to the world for generations to come.

* Encouraging further investment in STEM education is essential. Over the past year, I have hosted two events that have encouraged women and minorities to consider careers within STEM education. We live in a world of opportunity and America has been at the root of the world's technological and scientific advances for the past century. By helping to foster a new generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, we can continue our legacy for the next hundred years.

* The Association for Women in Science has, for 40 years, ensured diversity in STEM, promoting equality for the ever increasing number of women beyond our nation's classrooms; those in the professional STEM workforce. According to the National Science Foundation, in 2006 women accounted for just 23 percent of graduate students in engineering, and made up about 34 percent of the engineering workforce. The Association plays a vital role in inspiring women, ensuring diversity in STEM.

* Mr. Speaker, I am happy to support this resolution, to further diversity in STEM, and to recognize the Association for Women in Science for its continued contributions to our nation's future.

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