[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1356-E1357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                STEM EDUCATION COORDINATION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. MAXINE WATERS-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2009

  Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I add my support of House Resolution 1709, 
providing for the creation of a committee under the National Science 
and Technology Council to coordinate federal programs in support of 
science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. This 
legislation will synchronize programs at the National Science 
Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, the Department of Energy and Education--all 
organizations with a vested interest in the promotion of STEM (science, 
technology, engineering and mathematics) education. This committee will 
provide a forum for our federal agencies to coordinate STEM activities 
and determine new ways to advertise programs to elementary and 
secondary students, eliminating two large roadblocks in the promotion 
of programs already provided by these agencies. I commend my colleague 
Representative Bart Gordon, for bringing this important measure before 
the House.

[[Page E1357]]

  As a former teacher and Head Start coordinator, I fully understand 
the importance of all proposals that extend the reach of education 
among the youth of our country. In Fiscal Year 2010, I requested 
funding for the African-American Male Achievers Network to provide 
students access to year-round technology enrichment activities and 
opportunities to explore STEM related education and career paths. This 
funding has the potential to the increase academic achievement of inner 
city students and decrease gang involvement and community violence. 
Furthermore, innovation is key to our economic competitiveness in the 
World. Under current trends, by the year 2010, more than 90 percent of 
engineers and scientists will be living outside of the U.S. and 
currently more than 50 percent of all engineering doctoral degrees 
awarded by American engineering colleges are to foreign nationals. We 
have a pressing need to cultivate the next generation of science and 
mathematically oriented Americans by providing them access to the vast 
resources that our federal agencies can provide.
  Madam Speaker, this measure is quite important to the future of our 
great country and I'm pleased to add my voice in support for this 
legislation. I plan to work with my colleagues to ensure that future 
American engineers and scientists have the resources have the 
capability and resources to innovate and create technologies.

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