[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 57 (Thursday, May 11, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of 
order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from Rhode 
Island (Mr. Langevin) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor and privilege of attending 
the 15th annual FIRST Robotics Competition in Atlanta, Georgia at the 
end of April. I watched teams from both the United States and foreign 
countries take part in contests using robots that they built with the 
help of professionals.
  While the winning teams were given awards, the primary goal of this 
competition was to help high school age students discover how 
interesting and rewarding the areas of math and science can be. As far 
as I am concerned, all of the students that participated are winners.
  Seeing these brilliant students in person inspired me to join my 
friend and colleague, Congressman Charlie Bass on the floor tonight to 
share the important lessons and insights that we gained from our 
experience. I am excited to hear what my colleague has to say this 
evening as well.
  Well, For Inflation and Recognition of Science and Technology, or, 
FIRST as it is known, was founded by my friend Dean Kamen, who is a 
brilliant inventor with a social conscience. Among his many 
distinguished achievements, he has invented the first wearable drug 
infusion pump, the first portable insulin pump, the Segway scooter and 
the IBOT wheelchair. His real passion, however, is inspiring younger 
generations and getting them excited about science and technology.
  In pursuit of this goal, FIRST uses partnership between businesses, 
educational institutions and governments. Through FIRST's many 
programs, students learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship and 
have the opportunity to pair up with mentors in their desired field. 
FIRST also gives students a chance to apply for scholarship awards so 
they may pursue these schools skills at the college level.
  Now the success of this program can be seen by the fact that since 
1992, the FIRST Robotics Competition has grown from 28 teams to over 
1,000 today. The goal of this organization is one that I have supported 
since I first cochaired a special legislative commission as a state 
representative to get young people interested in math and science in 
Rhode Island.
  Now, as many of our colleagues have acknowledged, these are areas 
that our younger generations are not getting involved in sufficient 
numbers. This is detrimental to our country in the long run, not only 
for our reputation as innovators, but also for our national security.
  Now, the argument that inadequate research in education systems pose 
a threat to our national security was made in a 2001 report, the Road 
Map for National Security: Imperative for Change.
  Now, this was issued by the U.S. Commission on National Security, 
better known as the Hart-Rudman Commission. The report stated American 
national leadership must understand these deficiencies as threats to 
national security. Now, if we do not invest heavily and wisely in 
rebuilding these two core threats, America will be incapable of 
maintaining its global position long into the 21st century.
  This is why I encouraged my fellow members to learn more about the 
FIRST program. It gets students in their district involved.
  It is our job, not only to protect our country, but to inspire the 
next generation and maintain our status as the world leaders in 
research and innovation. With programs like FIRST, I am optimistic 
about the future, Mr. Speaker.
  So I would like to congratulate all the teams that participated in 
the FIRST Robotics Competition and especially the three teams from 
Rhode Island, La Salle Academy, Middletown High School and Tolman High 
School, for a job well done. May they all have continued success in 
their future endeavors.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my friend, Dean 
Kamen, the mentors and everyone who organized the FIRST robotics 
competition. I congratulate all of them and wish them well.

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