McCarthy Statement on the Passage of the STEM Jobs Act

Nov 30, 2012

Washington D.C. – House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act:

“America has continued to be a world leader in innovation because we attract the best and brightest from across the globe; people come here to attend U.S. universities, set up businesses, and raise their families.  Our ability to compete in the future will depend on American businesses being able to find the workers they need to kick start growth and innovation.  In particular, our immigration system has failed to support high achieving foreign students who have earned masters and doctoral degrees from top U.S. universities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  We cannot expect to continue to be a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship unless we welcome the best and brightest to put their skills to work for American businesses.

Today, the House passed H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act to give highly skilled foreign graduates a chance to apply their education and skills right here in America. The STEM Jobs Act helps American businesses drive innovation and create more jobs by providing a pathway for foreign STEM graduates to work in the United States. It is my hope that Senate Democrats and the President act on this critical piece of immigration reform to keep America moving forward.”

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