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Washington, D.C., Jul 31, 2008 -

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) and Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) today voted in favor of the Conference Report on H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which passed the House by a vote of 380-49. Among its many provisions, this bill will provide grants to enhance the study of modeling and simulation (M&S) at institutions of higher education. This grant program was part of H.R. 4165 originally cosponsored by Rep. Forbes and introduced by Rep. Scott. 

“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 so that the next generation of Americans are equipped to be at the forefront of the development of this promising technology. I am hopeful that this important piece of legislation will 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.”

Currently, a limited number of institutions of higher education have Modeling and Simulation undergraduate and graduate 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 to establish a Modeling and Simulation program.

Today the scope and influence of M&S reaches well beyond the defense industry.  M&S has been responsible for lowering costs, saving time, and saving lives in industries ranging from health care, homeland security, and construction to transportation. Members of the M&S community come from diverse backgrounds such as psychology, medicine, computer science, mathematics, engineering and physics. 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.