[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E873-E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2015

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 28, 2014

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4660) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, 
     Science, and Related

[[Page E874]]

     Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and 
     for other purposes:

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from New York, 
Mr. Crowley, for his bringing attention to an important program that 
deserves the support of this body. The importance of Science Technology 
Engineering and Math (or STEM) education has been recognized by this 
administration and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. 
Investment in these fields will prepare our students for good paying 
jobs and strengthen our economy by ensuring that our workforce stays 
competitive in a globalized world. Entrepreneurs with specialties in 
these fields are creating exciting new start-ups and jobs while more 
established companies are being encouraged to reshore jobs in this 
country when our workers are better trained. In short the value of STEM 
education is universally understood.
  Madam Chair, the gentleman's colloquy allows us the opportunity to 
demonstrate congressional intent to support STEM education, 
particularly in our Nation's Hispanic Serving Institutions. HSIs serve 
an important population and educate students of all backgrounds. The 
program directed the National Science Foundation to help create 
additional capacity for STEM education in these institutions of higher 
learning. The National Science Foundation directs investment in 
American innovation and is uniquely equipped to focus efforts on 
bringing more students into these important fields.
  This amendment supports a worthy program that returns a value to our 
students and the economy that is well beyond the investment.

                          ____________________