[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 122 (Wednesday, October 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2000

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, expanding the number of H-1B visas for 
foreign workers is critical to the well being of Oregon's high-tech 
community. Given the strong economy, record low unemployment, and 
declining graduation rates in high-tech education fields, that industry 
is facing a critical shortage of highly educated workers. In Oregon, 
for example, we have openings for 800 software engineers and are 
currently unable to fill them.
  Our education system is not producing the needed skilled workers for 
the high-tech industry. The H-1B visa program helps fill the void, but 
that's not all it does. The legislation we adopted last night helps 
develop our own workforce.
  The bill keeps the current $500 application fee that employers pay 
for new H-1B visa holders, which produces $75 million in revenue each 
year. Less than two percent of the fees is for administrative expenses 
and the rest is used to enhance our educational system. This funding 
provides math, science, engineering, and technology post-secondary 
scholarships for low-income and disadvantaged students. It is also used 
to improve K-12 math and science education and for job training.
  While this funding helps, I have joined many of my colleagues in 
pressing for more. I am a cosponsor of the Dreier-Lofgren bill that 
raises the cap on H-1B visas and doubles the application fee to $1000. 
I am hopeful we can adopt that increase before we adjourn and thereby 
do even more to meet our nation's educational needs.
  Many companies in my state are working independently of the 
government to help as well. Intel makes its micro-chips in Oregon. In 
1998, it contributed $63 million to higher education and $29 million to 
K-12 education. In an effort to encourage high school students to enter 
science and engineering career field tracks, companies like Electro 
Scientific Industries have partnered with local school districts and 
opened their doors to students, teachers and parents to talk to young 
engineers about career decisions and options.
  Together, we can reverse the shortage by improving our educational 
system. In the short term, increasing visa numbers is not a bad thing. 
Each new wave of immigrants adds to the diversity and character of our 
communities. This diversity has given us the strength to grow in times 
of prosperity and survive in times of trouble. H-1B visa holders add to 
our strong economy.

                          ____________________