[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 140 (Thursday, September 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ESTABLISHING A SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

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                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
1657, the Science and Technology Scholarship Program. H.R. 1657 will 
establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award 
scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in the 
National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite 
programs. I support H.R. 1657 because it allows more students the 
opportunity to pursue careers in fields that are vital in preserving 
our world, and will further enhance the knowledge base of our country.
  Mr. Speaker, we need to encourage more of our students to enter the 
meteorology and climatology fields. The young minds of this country are 
our greatest asset, and I support the effort today to encourage 
innovation, creative thinking, and academic competitiveness. I am 
confident we will reap major returns on this program long into the 
future.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 1657 because it will 
provide for the recruitment and preparation of students for careers in 
the National Weather Service and in Administration marine research, 
atmospheric research, and satellite programs. The legislation specifies 
a competitive program to select and award scholarships on the basis of 
academic merit, with consideration given to financial need and the goal 
of promoting the participation of individuals identified in section 33 
or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act. 
Individuals selected under the program agree to serve as full-time 
employees of NOAA, for a brief period in positions for which 
individuals are qualified.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Science Committee and a strong 
supporter of higher education, I have been a champion of equipping 
young minds with the technological and scientific knowledge necessary 
to compete in a globalized economy. Further, within the context of 
globalization, I strongly believe that this country's ability to 
achieve and maintain a high standard of living is dependent on the 
extent to which it can harness science and technology. Thus, in order 
to enhance the international competitiveness of the country, it is 
therefore critical for us to promote and support students pursing 
careers in meteorology, climatology and atmospheric research.
  For these reasons, I am proud to support H.R. 1657 and urge my 
colleagues to join me.

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