[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 121 (Monday, September 14, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H7664-H7669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMISSION ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN SCIENCE, 
              ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ACT

  Mr. FAWELL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3007) to establish the Commission on the Advancement of 
Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3007

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Commission on the 
     Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, 
     and Technology Development Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds the following:
       (1) According to the National Science Foundation's 1996 
     report, Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in 
     Science and Engineering--
       (A) women have historically been underrepresented in 
     scientific and engineering occupations, and although progress 
     has been made over the last several decades, there is still 
     room for improvement;
       (B) female and minority students take fewer high-level 
     mathematics and science courses in high school;
       (C) female students earn fewer bachelors, masters, and 
     doctoral degrees in science and engineering;
       (D) among recent bachelors of science and bachelors of 
     engineering graduates, women are less likely to be in the 
     labor force, to be employed full-time, and to be employed in 
     their field than are men;
       (E) among doctoral scientists and engineers, women are far 
     more likely to be employed at 2-year institutions, are far 
     less likely to be employed in research universities, and are 
     much more likely to teach part-time;
       (F) among university full-time faculty, women are less 
     likely to chair departments or hold high-ranked positions;
       (G) a substantial salary gap exists between men and women 
     with doctorates in science and engineering;
       (H) Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans continue to be 
     seriously underrepresented in graduate science and 
     engineering programs; and
       (I) Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans as a group are 
     23 percent of the population of the United States, but only 6 
     percent are scientists or engineers.
       (2) According to the National Research Council's 1995 
     report, Women Scientists and Engineers Employed in Industry: 
     Why So Few?--
       (A) limited access is the first hurdle faced by women 
     seeking industrial jobs in science and engineering, and while 
     progress has been made in recent years, common recruitment 
     and hiring practices that make extensive use of traditional 
     networks often overlook the available pool of women;
       (B) once on the job, many women find paternalism, sexual 
     harassment, allegations of reverse discrimination, different 
     standards for judging the work of men and women, lower salary 
     relative to their male peers, inequitable job assignments, 
     and other aspects of a male-oriented culture that are hostile 
     to women; and
       (C) women to a greater extent than men find limited 
     opportunities for advancement, particularly for moving into 
     management positions, and the number of women who have 
     achieved the top levels in corporations is much lower than 
     would be expected, based on the pipeline model.
       (3) The establishment of a commission to examine issues 
     raised by the findings of these 2 reports would help--
       (A) to focus attention on the importance of eliminating 
     artificial barriers to the recruitment, retention, and 
     advancement of women and minorities in the fields of science, 
     engineering, and technology, and in all employment sectors of 
     the United States;
       (B) to promote work force diversity;
       (C) to sensitize employers to the need to recruit and 
     retain women and minority scientists, engineers, and computer 
     specialists; and
       (D) to encourage the replication of successful recruitment 
     and retention programs by universities, corporations, and 
     Federal agencies having difficulties in employing women or 
     minorities in the fields of science, engineering, and 
     technology.

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

       There is established a commission to be known as the 
     ``Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in 
     Science, Engineering, and Technology Development'' (in this 
     Act referred to as the ``Commission'').

     SEC. 4. DUTY OF THE COMMISSION.

       The Commission shall review available research, and, if 
     determined necessary by the Commission, conduct additional 
     research to--
       (1) identify the number of women, minorities, and 
     individuals with disabilities in the United States in 
     specific types of occupations in science, engineering, and 
     technology development;
       (2) examine the preparedness of women, minorities, and 
     individuals with disabilities to--
       (A) pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology 
     development; and
       (B) advance to positions of greater responsibility within 
     academia, industry, and government;

[[Page H7665]]

       (3) describe the practices and policies of employers and 
     labor unions relating to the recruitment, retention, and 
     advancement of women, minorities, and individuals with 
     disabilities in the fields of science, engineering, and 
     technology development;
       (4) identify the opportunities for, and artificial barriers 
     to, the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women, 
     minorities, and individuals with disabilities in the fields 
     of science, engineering, and technology development in 
     academia, industry, and government;
       (5) compile a synthesis of available research on lawful 
     practices, policies, and programs that have successfully led 
     to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women, 
     minorities, and individuals with disabilities in science, 
     engineering, and technology development;
       (6) issue recommendations with respect to lawful policies 
     that government (including Congress and appropriate Federal 
     agencies), academia, and private industry can follow 
     regarding the recruitment, retention, and advancement of 
     women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities in 
     science, engineering, and technology development;
       (7) identify the disincentives for women, minorities, and 
     individuals with disabilities to continue graduate education 
     in the fields of engineering, physics, and computer science;
       (8) identify university undergraduate programs that are 
     successful in retaining women, minorities, and individuals 
     with disabilities in the fields of science, engineering, and 
     technology development;
       (9) identify the disincentives that lead to a 
     disproportionate number of women, minorities, and individuals 
     with disabilities leaving the fields of science, engineering, 
     and technology development before completing their 
     undergraduate education;
       (10) assess the extent to which the recommendations of the 
     Task Force on Women, Minorities, and the Handicapped in 
     Science and Technology established under section 8 of the 
     National Science Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     1987 (Public Law 99-383; 42 U.S.C. 1885a note) have been 
     implemented;
       (11) compile a list of all Federally funded reports on the 
     subjects of encouraging women, minorities, and individuals 
     with disabilities to enter the fields of science and 
     engineering and retaining women, minorities, and individuals 
     with disabilities in the science and engineering workforce 
     that have been issued since the date that the Task Force 
     described in paragraph (10) submitted its report to Congress;
       (12) assess the extent to which the recommendations 
     contained in the reports described in paragraph (11) have 
     been implemented; and
       (13) evaluate the benefits of family-friendly policies in 
     order to assist recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in 
     the fields of science, engineering, and technology such as 
     the benefits or disadvantages of the Family and Medical Leave 
     Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.).

     SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be 
     composed of 11 members as follows:
       (1) 1 member appointed by the President from among for-
     profit entities that hire individuals in the fields of 
     engineering, science, or technology development.
       (2) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives from among such entities.
       (3) 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the House 
     of Representatives from among such entities.
       (4) 2 members appointed by the majority leader of the 
     Senate from among such entities.
       (5) 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate 
     from among such entities.
       (6) 2 members appointed by the Chairman of the National 
     Governors Association from among individuals in education or 
     academia in the fields of life science, physical science, or 
     engineering.
       (7) 2 members appointed by the Vice Chairman of the 
     National Governors Association from among such individuals.
       (b) Initial Appointments.--Initial appointments shall be 
     made under subsection (a) not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Terms.--
       (1) In general.--Each member shall be appointed for the 
     life of the Commission.
       (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled 
     in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
       (d) Pay of Members.--Members shall not be paid by reason of 
     their service on the Commission.
       (e) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in 
     accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
       (g) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall 
     be elected by the members.
       (h) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet not fewer than 5 
     times in connection with and pending the completion of the 
     report described in section 8. The Commission shall hold 
     additional meetings for such purpose if the Chairperson or a 
     majority of the members of the Commission requests the 
     additional meetings in writing.
       (i) Employment Status.--Members of the Commission shall not 
     be deemed to be employees of the Federal Government by reason 
     of their work on the Commission except for the purposes of--
       (1) the tort claims provisions of chapter 171 of title 28, 
     United States Code; and
       (2) subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States 
     Code, relating to compensation for work injuries.

     SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND 
                   CONSULTANTS.

       (a) Director.--The Commission shall appoint a Director who 
     shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the maximum annual rate 
     of basic pay payable under section 5376 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (b) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of 
     additional personnel as the Commission considers appropriate.
       (c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The 
     Director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without 
     regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
     governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be 
     paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and 
     subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to 
     classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that an 
     individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of the 
     maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 
     of title 5, United States Code.
       (d) Experts and Consultants.--The Commission may procure 
     temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of 
     title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals not to 
     exceed the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under 
     section 5376 of title 5, United States Code.
       (e) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the 
     Commission, the Director of the National Science Foundation 
     or the head of any other Federal department or agency may 
     detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that 
     department or agency to the Commission to assist it in 
     carrying out its duties under this Act.

     SEC. 7. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the 
     purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act 
     at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as 
     the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may 
     administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing 
     before it.
       (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of 
     the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any 
     action which the Commission is authorized to take by this 
     section.
       (c) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure 
     directly from any department or agency of the United States 
     information necessary to enable it to carry out this Act. 
     Upon request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head 
     of that department or agency shall furnish that information 
     to the Commission.
       (d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails 
     in the same manner and under the same conditions as other 
     departments and agencies of the United States.
       (e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of 
     the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall 
     provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the 
     administrative support services necessary for the Commission 
     to carry out its responsibilities under this Act.
       (f) Contract Authority.--To the extent provided in advance 
     in appropriations Acts, the Commission may contract with and 
     compensate government and private agencies or persons for the 
     purpose of conducting research or surveys necessary to enable 
     the Commission to carry out its duties under this Act.

     SEC. 8. REPORT.

       Not later than 1 year after the date on which the initial 
     appointments under section 5(a) are completed, the Commission 
     shall submit to the President, the Congress, and the highest 
     executive official of each State, a written report containing 
     the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the 
     Commission resulting from the study conducted under section 
     4.

     SEC. 9. CONSTRUCTION; USE OF INFORMATION OBTAINED.

       (a) In General.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to 
     require any non-Federal entity (such as a business, college 
     or university, foundation, or research organization) to 
     provide information to the Commission concerning such 
     entity's personnel policies, including salaries and benefits, 
     promotion criteria, and affirmative action plans.
       (b) Use of Information Obtained.--No information obtained 
     from any entity by the Commission may be used in connection 
     with any employment related litigation.

     SEC. 10. TERMINATION; ACCESS TO INFORMATION.

       (a) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 30 days 
     after submitting the report required by section 8.
       (b) Access to Information.--On or before the date of the 
     termination of the Commission under subsection (a), the 
     Commission shall provide to the National Science Foundation 
     the information gathered by the Commission in the process of 
     carrying out its duties under this Act. The National Science 
     Foundation shall act as a central repository for such 
     information and shall make such information available to the 
     public, including making such information available through 
     the Internet.

[[Page H7666]]

     SEC. 11. REVIEW OF INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL 
                   SCIENCE FOUNDATION AND OTHER AGENCIES.

       (a) Provision of Information.--At the request of the 
     Commission, the National Science Foundation and any other 
     Federal department or agency shall provide to the Commission 
     any information determined necessary by the Commission to 
     carry out its duties under this Act, including--
       (1) data on academic degrees awarded to women, minorities, 
     and individuals with disabilities in science, engineering, 
     and technology development, and workforce representation and 
     the retention of women, minorities, individuals with 
     disabilities in the fields of science, engineering, and 
     technology development; and
       (2) information gathered by the National Science Foundation 
     in the process of compiling its biennial report on Women, 
     Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and 
     Engineering.
       (b) Review of Information.--The Commission shall review any 
     information provided under subsection (a) and shall include 
     in the report required under section 8--
       (1) recommendations on how to correct any deficiencies in 
     the collection of the types of information described in that 
     subsection, and in the analysis of such data, which might 
     impede the characterization of the factors which affect the 
     attraction and retention of women, minorities, and 
     individuals with disabilities in the fields of science, 
     engineering, and technology development; and
       (2) an assessment of the biennial report of the National 
     Science Foundation on Women, Minorities, and Persons with 
     Disabilities in Science and Engineering, and recommendations 
     on how that report could be improved.

     SEC. 12. DEFINITION OF STATE.

       In this Act, the term ``State'' includes the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
     American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and any other 
     territory or possession of the United States.

     SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     Act--
       (1) $400,000 for fiscal year 1999; and
       (2) $400,000 for fiscal year 2000.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Smith of New Jersey). Pursuant to the 
rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Fawell) and the gentlewoman from 
Hawaii (Mrs. Mink) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Fawell).
  Mr. FAWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3007, 
which is the Commission on the Advancement of Women in Science, 
Engineering and Technology Development Act. I would like to call it the 
Wise Tech Act. As my colleagues know, I introduced H.R. 3007 on 
November 9 of last year.
  I think it is fitting that we are considering H.R. 3007 under 
suspension of the rules today. I have been reading with great interest 
recent news articles regarding the push by high-tech industries for 
Congress to approve a temporary increase in the number of H-1B 
immigration visas for foreign technology workers. It is my 
understanding that we will likely consider legislation later this week 
to do just that. I think it is only appropriate, then, that we also 
pass legislation this week which will focus on what we can do to make 
sure American workers are prepared to fill these high-tech jobs.
  Over the last decade, the use of technology has transformed almost 
every sector of our Nation's economy, ranging from transportation and 
health care to manufacturing and education. In manufacturing alone, 
high-tech industries now employ close to 1.9 million workers, making 
them the largest manufacturing employer in the United States. In 
addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the demand 
for highly skilled workers in computer and data processing will more 
than double over the next 10 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I have been working over the past few years to help 
ensure that American workers have the high-tech skills they need to be 
successful in the job market that is increasingly dependent upon 
technological expertise. For example, last spring I had the pleasure of 
participating in the first Regional Town Hall Meeting on the National 
Technology Workforce, which was convened in Montgomery County, 
Maryland. Through those town hall meetings, we hope to bring attention 
to the issue of preparing our workforce for the 21st century.
  Ensuring our workforce is prepared to meet the technology challenges 
of the future is not only important to me, because I want to ensure the 
I-270 corridor in my district maintains its technological preeminence, 
but it is also important from a national perspective. Technology will 
continue to be the driving force behind a strong economy in the 21st 
century. We need to make sure that our Nation has a workforce that is 
capable of meeting the needs of the 21st century economy. Today, as 
high-tech companies are scrambling to fill jobs, a vast portion of the 
U.S. labor pool remains underutilized.
  Women represent roughly 50 percent of all U.S. workers, but make up 
only 22 percent of the entire science and engineering workforce. 
Determining why so few women enter the fields of science, engineering 
and technology development is a priority. Understanding and addressing 
such issues could dramatically increase the labor pool available to 
high-tech companies.
  Yes, progress has been made over the last decade in integrating women 
into the scientific and engineering fields. This has been true in the 
academic arena and the workforce. The percentage of medical degrees 
earned by women rose from 8 percent to 38 percent between 1970 and 
1993. Even more impressive, according to the Engineering Workforce 
Commission of the American Association of Engineering Societies, the 
percentage of Ph.D.s in engineering has increased from 0.4 percent in 
1970 to 12.2 percent in 1997. But while such increases are impressive, 
in the case of engineering a 3,000 percent increase in just under 30 
years, overall, the numbers are still low. As an example, there are 
only 8.9 percent of women in electronic engineering, whereas we have 
about 11.4 percent of women in the clergy. Kind of unusual.
  That is also why I have introduced H.R. 3007. We need to figure out 
why women are entering in, and more importantly, staying in, high-tech 
professions at rates well below their male counterparts.
  There have been various attempts in the past, both by the Federal 
Government and private organizations, to address this issue. The 
Federal Government in particular has done a good job of collecting 
relevant information as far as how many women are pursuing science and 
engineering degrees, and how many of these women ultimately end up 
entering into the workforce in one of these disciplines. However, we 
really have not done a very good job of taking the statistical data 
that has been collected and interpreting it in a way that can be used 
to develop solutions to the very real problem of the professions at 
rates that are well below their male counterparts.
  Earlier this year, the Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on 
H.R. 3007. All of our witnesses agreed that we need to do a better job 
of coordinating these various attempts to address the issue of women in 
science and develop a uniform analysis of the problem and provide 
recommendations for dealing with it. Our witnesses felt that this bill 
was an important part of that process.
  I want to stress to my colleagues that the legislation requires a 
commission to be comprised of individuals representing private sector 
entities that employ scientists and engineers, as well as 
representatives from education and academia, in the same fields. I 
think that is important, because we want to make sure that the 
recommendations that are put forth by the commission adequately reflect 
the needs of the high-tech industries.
  In addition, I want to acknowledge that H.R. 3007 was marked up by 
the Committee on Education and the Workforce and my colleague, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) pointed out that in addition to 
women, minorities and people with disabilities are also significantly 
underrepresented in all areas of science, engineering and technology 
development. In fact, while blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans 
combined represent about 23 percent of the population, only 6 percent 
are scientists or engineers.
  So as a result, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) offered an 
amendment, which was accepted, to require the commission to also 
examine ways that we can encourage minorities and people with 
disabilities who are pursuing an education or career in science and 
engineering, and I think it is appropriate that the commission

[[Page H7667]]

look into these issues as well and support efforts to ensure that all 
Americans have a chance to excel as we make the shift from an 
industrial age to an information age.
  By addressing the problem now, countering the barriers which face 
women, minority, and disabled scientists and engineers, we can help to 
ensure that our labor force and the U.S. is ready to meet the 
challenges of the 21st century.
  I am pleased to report that H.R. 3007 was passed by the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce, has been endorsed by the Institute of 
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the IEEE-USA; the American 
Association of Engineering Societies, the National Society of 
Professional Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 
the Association of Women and Science, and in addition, it has been 
listed as one of the top 7 priorities for women by the Congressional 
Caucus for women's issues of this session.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of my colleagues for working 
together in a bipartisan manner on this important legislation. In 
particular, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the 
chairman of the Committee on Science; and the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Brown), the ranking member of the Committee on Science; as well as 
the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Technology, the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Boucher); and the vice chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Technology, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht), for their 
support of H.R. 3007. Also, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Goodling); the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay); the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Fawell); and the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink), for 
bringing this bill to the floor today.
  I look forward to working with them and my Senate counterparts to 
have this bill signed into law before the conclusion of the 105th 
Congress. I urge all of my colleagues to pass this important measure. I 
want to recognize some staff that have worked emphatically on this 
particular bill. Sandy Zimmit in particular, Richard Russell and others 
from the Committee on Science.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted today to rise in support of H.R. 3007, 
establishing a commission on the advancement of women in science, 
engineering and technology development. The commission, to be comprised 
of 11 members, would examine the barriers that women face in science, 
engineering and technology, and present recommendations on how to 
overcome such barriers.
  I commend the author of this legislation, my colleague from Maryland 
(Mrs. Morella), for her initiative and her tenacity in working on this 
issue and her determination to help expand opportunities for women in 
the fields of science, engineering and technology. We have worked 
together on many initiatives, particularly in the area of educational 
and employment opportunities for women. I am pleased to support her 
legislation and pleased to represent the minority on the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce who endorse this legislation.
  The House approved this legislation several years ago, and I remember 
having the privilege to manage that bill on the floor at that time. I 
am pleased that we are working again on a continuation of this issue.
  The commission, if created, will address an area critical to the 
future success of women in our society. With the rapid increase of jobs 
in the fields of science, engineering and technology, women must be 
poised to assume a greater role in this employment arena. While we 
debate the issue of whether we need to raise immigration limitations in 
order to fill technology jobs, we should also be looking at ways to 
fill these jobs with those who are currently underrepresented in that 
industry, including women and minorities. We may be able to fulfill our 
needs in this industry with our current population if they are probably 
trained and encouraged to enter this field.
  There is abundant evidence that girls and women face barriers in the 
areas of science, engineering and technology. In some cases, these 
barriers are at the most basic levels, including elementary and 
secondary education. The 1992 report, ``How Schools Shortchange 
Girls,'' published by the American Association of University Women, 
cited several reports in which girls did not do as well as boys in math 
and science tests and included evidence that girls were not encouraged 
to pursue studies or careers in math and science.

                              {time}  1445

  Even though girls did well in these subject areas, they were not 
encouraged to pursue such studies.
  Other issues that may deter women from these fields include sexual 
harassment, employment discrimination, lack of opportunities for 
postgraduate studies, difficulties in obtaining financial assistance, 
lack of access to computers and other technology, and the lack of 
active recruitment.
  There are many complex issues involved, and I believe this commission 
is needed to learn more about barriers that women face in science and 
technology. We need sound policy recommendations to increase 
opportunities for women in science, engineering, and technology.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3007.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Hawaii for 
yielding to me.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to strongly support H.R. 3007 and to thank and 
congratulate the gentlewoman from Maryland for her hard work in 
pressing this bill forward.
  I rise also on behalf of the bipartisan Women's Caucus to express the 
strong support of the women of Congress for this particular bill.
  The Women's Caucus is 21 years old this year. When you get to be 21, 
the Caucus decided that it is time to have your own must-pass agenda. 
The Caucus chose seven bills, all of them consensus bills, and 
presented those bills to the majority and minority leadership as bills 
that we thought would make every Member of this body proud.
  I am delighted that this is the third of those bills to pass. Women's 
contraceptive choices for Federal employees has been one. It was not 
the first. The first was Provisions of the Violence Against Women Act. 
Tomorrow, Madam Speaker, the Mammography Quality Standards Act, another 
of the bills that the Congressional Women's Caucus urged on this body, 
will come to the floor.
  I am pleased that the Commission on the Advancement of Women in 
Science, Engineering, and Technology Development Act now includes also 
minority and disabled people because this bill comes to the floor at a 
most propitious time.
  There are bills at this time to increase the number of technological 
workers that would be imported from abroad because of a shortage that 
all can see throughout the country of such workers. Some oppose those 
bills because they want such jobs to go to our own workers.
  At the same time, we must concede that the shortage is created by the 
failure of our own workers to be prepared in sufficient numbers for 
these jobs. So that in order to keep the jobs in this country, some 
have come forward to say let us import workers for these jobs.
  The gentlewoman has focused on one of the reasons for this dilemma in 
looking to underutilize parts of our population. Women who are now 
almost half of the work force are far less than half of those 
represented in science and engineering, yet they come from the same 
homes, the same backgrounds, the same communities.
  We see similar disparities for minorities and disabled people. Surely 
as we enter a period when technology is the overriding need of the work 
force, we do not want to leave underrepresented people who would have 
such skills to offer if they could only be uncovered. So we must begin 
by finding out why and then finding out what can be done about this 
dilemma.
  This bill in my judgment uses the most efficient way to go at this 
problem. It is a vehicle designed to find what the facts are and then 
to get something done.
  The commission consists of people from industry and from education. 
Now those are the people directly responsible for filling this gap. 
Important

[[Page H7668]]

fact finding will be an important part of the commission; how to 
recruit and retain minorities and women and disabled people.
  Such other matters, as what kinds of model programs are there in 
education and in industry that are already successfully recruiting and 
retaining minorities and women will, through this commission, be made 
available to others throughout the country.
  This is an innovative piece of legislation that will cost virtually 
nothing but is likely to produce a great deal for our country. I am 
pleased that this important bill has come to the floor at the request 
of the Congressional Women's Caucus among others who recognize the 
great good it can do. I once again congratulate the gentlewoman from 
Maryland (Mrs. Morella) for her initiative.
  Mr. FAWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.
  Madam Speaker, I wish to commend the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. 
Morella) for her leadership in putting all of this legislation together 
and being deeply concerned about the identifying factors that 
contribute to the underrepresentation of women and minorities and 
individuals with disabilities in science and technology, an area in 
which I know the gentlewoman from Maryland has a vast background in. So 
my congratulations to the gentlewoman from Maryland for being the 
leading figure here to bring this legislation before us.
  Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of this legislation, a bill to 
establish the Commission on the Advancement of Women in Science, 
Engineering and Technology Development Act.
  The bill establishes an 11-member commission whose purpose would be 
twofold, first to identify factors contributing to the 
underrepresentation of women and minorities and individuals with 
disabilities in the fields of science, engineering, and technology; 
second, to identify both successful and unsuccessful university and 
employment policies and practices used to recruit, to retain, and to 
advance high-tech careers for women and minorities.
  Within 1 year, the commission would be required to transmit to 
Congress and the governors a report containing recommendations on how 
Federal, State, and local governments, schools, universities, and 
private industry can encourage women, minorities, and individuals with 
disabilities to enter the fields of science, engineering, and 
technology development.
  The bill is reported out of both the Committee on Science and the 
Committee on Education and the Work Force, made several streamlining 
changes to the introduced bill in order to strengthen the commission.
  In addition, this bill includes language to ensure that States are 
active participants in the commission's selection process by allowing 
the Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the National Governors 
Association to appoint four of the 11 commission members.
  The bill has been expanded to cover not only women but minorities and 
individuals with disabilities as well, as I had previously indicated. 
The bill, as altered, permits the President to select one member of the 
commission and, in addition, allows the minority leaders of the House 
and the Senate to each select one member of the commission.
  This change will still only permit 11 individuals to sit on the 
commission and should be noted that the Speaker of the House and the 
Senate majority leader get to choose two members each.
  Other than the aforementioned changes, this bill is identical to H.R. 
3007 as reported out of the Committee on Science.
  Finally, I am pleased to note that the bill has received the 
endorsement of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 
the National Society of Professional Engineers, Women in Technology, 
and the Association of Women in Science.
  I simply urge my colleagues support of this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Boehlert).
  (Mr. BOEHLERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BOEHLERT. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding to me.
  Madam Speaker, over the past dozen years, technology has reshaped the 
face of our economy and our society. From transportation to health care 
to manufacturing to education, all sectors have been transformed. We 
can only expect that the dynamic growth in high technology industries 
and the jobs that they will produce will continue well into the 21st 
Century.
  That is good news. But, unfortunately, while we have made significant 
progress in recent years to bolster our high-tech work force by 
integrating women and minorities and people with disabilities, their 
numbers remain pathetically low.
  For example, women represent nearly 50 percent of all U.S. workers 
but they comprise only 22 percent of the entire science and engineering 
workforce. We can and must do better.
  In our increasingly technological society, education in science and 
engineering is critically important. H.R. 3007 will help us identify 
how best to bolster the enrollment of women, minority and people with 
disabilities in science and engineering programs in our universities, 
and how to boost and retain their numbers in our workforce.
  This bill has been endorsed by the IEEE, the Institute of Electrical 
and Electronics Engineers, the Association of Women in Science, the 
National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of 
Mechanical Engineers and the American Association of Engineering 
Societies. These groups recognize that every sector of the population 
must be represented in their industry. I strongly support this bill and 
urge my fellow Members to support it as well. It is good for science, 
good for the workforce and our economy and good for the future 
technological vitality of America.
  Finally, I thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) for her 
leadership, for providing the inspiration and the incentive to get this 
bill moving. I would say to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. 
Morella), the House, the Nation, owe you a debt of gratitude.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that we are 
considering today H.R. 3007, the Commission on the Advancement of Women 
in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development Act, introduced by 
Representative Morella, and of which I am proud to be co-sponsor. This 
bill is essential to America's continued global competitiveness in 
developing innovative science and technological advances.
  With science and technology being kept components of our nation's 
economic dominance in the world, we have to keep up in fostering and 
mining the talents of all our children, both male and female. Since 
females currently make up very few of our nation's scientists, 
engineers, and technological innovators, we have a responsibility to 
steer our businesses, colleges, and communities in a direction that 
will encourage women to participate in each of these areas.
  This legislation represents a critical, positive step towards 
attracting more women to the study and pursuit of careers in science, 
engineering, and technology. Fields which have historically been 
dominated by men. It creates a Commission that will identify over a 1-
year period, the factors responsible for the relative lack of women 
pursuing educations and careers in these disciplines. The Commission 
will then transmit to Congress their findings and recommendations for 
encouraging increased female participation in these fields.
  I want to commend Mrs. Morella for her work on H.R. 3007 in the 
Science Subcommittee on Technology as well as all of my colleagues on 
the full Science Committee. This is a worthwhile bill that deserves the 
support of every Member, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle to vote in favor of this legislation.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3007, 
which would establish the Commission on the Advancement of Women and 
Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development.
  I applaud my good friend Congresswoman Morella for authoring this 
important piece of legislation.
  I also thank my colleague on the Committee on Education and the 
Workforce for amending the legislation during markup to expand the 
scope of the Commission to minorities.
  Historically, women have been underrepresented in scientific 
occupations.
  Barriers to their pursuit of such careers are often found early in 
their education, when encouragement to achieve in math and science is 
much more prevalent for boys than for girls.
  However, those women who do choose a career path in the sciences or 
engineering also encounter obstacles later in life, when they 
experience discrimination, harassment, lower salaries, and limited 
opportunities for advancement as compared to their male counterparts. 
Minorities face similar obstacles throughout their lives.

[[Page H7669]]

  Although blacks, Hispanics and native Americans represent 23 percent 
of the population, only 6 percent are scientists or engineers.
  While the prospects for increasing the representation of women and 
minorities in these fields are improving, much work still needs to be 
done.
  The Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, 
Engineering, and Technology Development would focus attention on the 
barriers to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women and 
minorities in the fields of science and engineering and issue 
recommendations to break down these barriers and promote equal 
opportunity.
  Later this week, we will consider legislation to expand the H-1B 
program, because high-tech employers are desperate for workers.
  It is my contention that we should also be dedicating ourselves to 
increasing, the opportunities for Americans to pursue these careers.
  I believe that H.R. 3007 is an important step in this direction, and 
I urge my colleagues to support its passage.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FAWELL. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Fawell) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 3007, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to 
establish the Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in 
Science, Engineering, and Technology Development.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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