[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 77 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 77

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     February 26, 2013.
    Resolved,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This resolution may be cited as the ``Academic Competition Resolution of 
2013''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The House of Representatives finds as follows:
            (1) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields 
        and knowledge have been integral to the development of civilization over 
        the centuries.
            (2) STEM fields have been, and continue to be, vital to a healthy 
        and thriving United States.
            (3) STEM fields are even more important in a world and nation of 
        continuous and rapid technological advancements and needs.
            (4) STEM fields are necessary to ensure a qualified national 
        workforce and growing American economy, and a recent study predicted 
        that one-half of all STEM jobs in 2020 will be related to the field of 
        computer science.
            (5) A recent study found that less than one-third of eighth graders 
        in the United States showed proficiency in mathematics and science.
            (6) A recent study found that only 9 States allowed computer science 
        courses to count toward high school students' core graduation 
        requirements.
            (7) A recent study found that only one-third of the bachelor's 
        degrees earned in the United States are in a STEM field.
            (8) A recent study found that more than one-half of the science and 
        engineering graduate students in institutions of higher education in the 
        United States are from outside the United States.
            (9) Efforts to encourage students to work in STEM fields will 
        enhance collaborative efforts between our secondary education systems 
        and STEM-related fields and industries.
            (10) The global economy demands that the United States continue to 
        lead the world in innovation, creativity, and STEM-related research.
            (11) Bringing together Members of Congress and their younger 
        constituents to participate in activities that will result in a deeper 
        appreciation for STEM fields will foster enthusiasm for education in the 
        sciences.
            (12) The support which students will gain through Congressional 
        recognition of their work on STEM-related projects will encourage them 
        to pursue career paths in STEM studies and research.
            (13) It is appropriate for the House of Representatives to institute 
        a new and worthwhile competition to encourage students to participate in 
        STEM studies and research.
            (14) Rapid technological change means the competition will evolve 
        over time and will challenge students in specialized areas of science, 
        technology, engineering and math to ensure maximum participation. 
        Because of the importance of computer science it would be appropriate to 
        initially challenge students to develop so-called ``apps'' for mobile, 
        tablet, and computer platforms.

SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL COMPETITION IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND 
              MATHEMATICS.

    (a) Establishment of Competition.--There is hereby established an academic 
competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
which shall be held each year among students in each Congressional district.
    (b) Regulations.--The competition under this resolution shall be carried out 
in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Committee on 
House Administration, except that the regulations shall permit the office of a 
Member to seek guidance from outside experts in the fields of science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics for the purposes of establishing 
criteria for the selection of competition judges and for the judgment of 
competition submissions.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.