Washington, D.C., Aug 19 -

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), and Congresswoman Thelma Drake (VA-02) announced today key movement on a grant program to encourage the study of modeling and simulation (M&S) at institutions of higher education. This grant program, introduced by Congressman Scott and originally cosponsored by Congressman Forbes and Congresswoman Drake, was included in H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act, passed by the House on July 31, 2008 and signed into law on August 14, 2008.

“M&S is a critical technology that provides unparalleled advancements in American competitiveness and brings high-tech jobs and economic prosperities to our communities. As chairman of the Modeling and Simulation Caucus, I am excited that this important grant program to enhance the study of M&S has been included in the Higher Education Opportunity Act conference report,” said Forbes. “The grants will provide critical funding to education institutions that want to take advantage of this new and promising technology, and I am hopeful that this important piece of legislation will finally become law.”

“Modeling and Simulation technology is an essential component in ensuring that we meet both the national security and domestic challenges of the 21st century,” said Rep. Scott, who is a member of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus.  “The practical uses of Modeling and Simulation technology as a training tool are boundless.  We can learn about a system in a more cost-effective, timely, and safe manner than when analyzing the real thing.  Furthermore, we can simulate thousands of scenarios over and over again on a computer when it is too hazardous, expensive, or impossible to perform a real-world experiment.  Every field of study or profession can benefit in some way from modeling and simulation.  By including the Modeling and Simulation Grant Program in Conference Report to the Higher Education Act reauthorization, we are ensuring that the United States remains competitive in this critical and rapidly expanding field.”

“Modeling and Simulation is a tool that is critical to both our national and domestic security. This technology is critical to the efforts of the Department of Defense and other security agencies and will continue to bring high tech jobs to Hampton Roads,” said Rep. Drake.  “Old Dominion University is a pioneer in this field and the Higher Education Act will allow even more colleges and universities to develop this important tool. I stand with my colleagues Rep. Forbes and Rep. Scott in calling for this important bill to become law immediately.”

Currently, a limited number of institutions of higher education have Modeling and Simulation programs, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This competitive grant program will provide a critical source of funding for colleges and universities that want to expand and improve their Modeling and Simulation programs. The grant will also provide important seed money for colleges and universities that do not have a program to establish a Modeling and Simulation program.

Today the scope and influence of M&S reaches well beyond the defense industry.  Modeling and simulation has been responsible for the progressive developments in health care, homeland security, construction and transportation. Many of the technologies are universally applicable and may be used in multiple fields, including visualization tools, analytical tools, knowledge management and behavioral representations.

Founded by Congressman Forbes in 2005, the Congressional Modeling & Simulation Caucus serves as a venue to discuss issues pertaining to modeling and simulation. Historically, the caucus has been focused on M&S as it relates to the defense industry, but has broadened its focus to include M&S applications across all fields. The caucus has grown to 27 total members. To learn more about the Congressional M&S Caucus, visit: http://forbes.house.gov/Biography/mscaucus.htm.