[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H8538-H8539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1600
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A 4-H NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE 
                                  DAY

  Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1390) expressing support for the 
designation of a 4-H National Youth Science Day.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1390

       Whereas barely 18 percent of 12th grade students perform at 
     or above the proficient level in science;
       Whereas the need for science education, especially outside 
     the classroom, is crucial to our country's ability to remain 
     globally competitive;
       Whereas today only 32.4 percent of undergraduates in the 
     United States are leaving college with a bachelor's degree in 
     science or engineering, compared to 63.3 percent in Japan, 
     62.1 percent in Germany, and 56.2 percent in China;
       Whereas American businesses will face a competitive crisis 
     with the advancing science- and technology-driven global 
     economy unless they have a workforce that has been trained in 
     scientific fields;
       Whereas the future global economy will be driven by market 
     sectors that are based in science, engineering, and 
     technology;
       Whereas current scientists and engineers are retiring in 
     record numbers, creating a potentially large void of skilled 
     workers;
       Whereas 4-H and other out-of-school programs that focus on 
     science, engineering and technology are an important part of 
     educating and developing leaders who are well-trained and 
     technically competent;
       Whereas 4-H is preparing America's future workforce by 
     developing their passion for science, engineering, and 
     technology at an early age;
       Whereas 4-H's educational programs have an unparalleled 
     reach of more than 6,000,000 youth in all 50 States;
       Whereas 4-H, in partnership with more than 106 land-grant 
     universities, shape programs in the sciences that are 
     important to today's workforce and critical for managing the 
     world's resources for years to come;
       Whereas youth, parents, teachers, schools, and youth 
     organizations have the ability to participate in fun, 
     accessible, science-related activities that encourage youth 
     exploration and experimentation at an early age; and
       Whereas October 8, 2008 would be an appropriate day to 
     designate as 4-H National Youth Science Day: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses support for the designation of a 4-H National 
     Youth Science Day;
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe 4-H 
     National Youth Science Day;
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
       (4) encourages young people of all ages and backgrounds to 
     pursue science studies and enter into science careers.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Maryland (Ms. Edwards) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Maryland.


                             General Leave

  Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 1390, the resolution 
now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1390 
and 4-H programs across America. 4-H works with over 6 million youths 
in all 50 States to help develop citizenship, leadership and life 
skills. 4-H has been doing this and doing it well for over 100 years.
  What some people may not know is that one of 4-H's primary focuses 
today is in the area of science and technology. Through its summer 
camps, fairs, cultural events and other programs, 4-H has focused on 
the goal of providing American youths with a solid background in 
science and technology. Moreover, 4-H programs get children excited and 
interested in these fields, which we know is a critical element in a 
child's education success in the sciences.
  As this resolution correctly points out, American students 
consistently rank behind our international peers in the fields of 
science and technology. We clearly need to do more if we want to ensure 
that the next generation of Americans have the high-tech skills to 
compete in the global marketplace. That is why it is so important that 
organizations like 4-H continue to do the excellent work they are 
doing.
  I would like to thank the sponsor of this resolution, Mr. Cardoza, 
for recognizing the importance of the work of 4-H in the advancement of 
science, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us today would designate October 8 
as 4-H National Youth Science Day. I, as well as 21 other Members of 
this body, was a proud member of 4-H and know firsthand the good work 
that this organization performs. ``Head, heart, hands and health,'' 
that is what the four Hs stand for.
  With over 6 million youth participating, it is a much larger 
organization today than it was when I was a boy, but it has the focus 
of helping young people reach their full potential. That focus remains 
the same.
  As we discuss frequently on this floor, and as the newspapers reflect 
almost daily, our innovative spirit is the stronghold of the Nation's 
success. But we must do a better job of energizing our children to be 
interested in science, engineering and technology if we are to remain 
the world's leader in innovation.
  The purpose of the 4-H National Youth Science Day is to do just that. 
The National Science Experiment is the designated activity for the 
first annual 4-H National Youth Science Day and will focus on water 
conservation. Through this special day and through its science, 
engineering and technology programs, 4-H has a goal of preparing 1 
million new young people to excel in science, engineering and 
technology by 2013. I applaud them for these endeavors, and encourage 
my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of officially 
recognizing October 8, 2008, as 4-H National Youth Science Day.
  To show its commitment to providing a quality science education, 4-H 
National Youth Science Day will take place during National 4-H Week and 
features a ``National Science Experiment''--a designated science 
activity that will engage youth across the country in environmental 
issues relating to water conservation and groundwater contamination.
  Over 100 years ago, 4-H began with the creation of agriculture 
projects geared at ensuring the future of our Nation's rural youth. 
Today, with a membership of 6 million young people, 4-H is America's 
largest youth organization and is an essential tool to engage and 
educate our future generations of scientists and inventors at a young 
age.
  My own daughter Brittany had a very positive experience with 4-H in 
California learning

[[Page H8539]]

how to sew and quilt and raising her heifer named Lucy.
  4-H's efforts to make science education enjoyable and interesting are 
noteworthy as barely 18 percent of 12th grade students in the United 
States are currently performing at or above the proficient level in 
science.
  Similarly, only 32.4 percent of undergraduates in America are leaving 
college with a bachelor's degree in science or engineering, and a 
majority of scientists believe that the United States is falling behind 
in science and innovation.
  In response to these sobering statistics, the National Academy of 
Sciences issued the timely report Rising Above the Gathering Storm, 
calling for an ambitious national program to address the need for 
increased math and science education.
  According to the report, two important factors that America depends 
on to compete successfully in the global marketplace are: (1) a well-
trained and technically competent workforce; and (2) the production of 
scientific and technological innovations.
  Recognizing and promoting these goals is critical if America is going 
to remain a competitive leader in the global economy, and assistance 
from programs like 4-H will be vital in this effort.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in my support for H. Res. 1390 to 
officially recognize October 8, 2008, as 4-H National Youth Science Day 
and encourage young people of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their 
interest in science and innovation.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Salazar). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1390.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________