CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON STANDS BEHIND BILL TO INVEST IN SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND EDUCATION

Washington, D.C. (Friday, May 28, 2010) The bold new bill, H.R. 5116 the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which makes significant investments in science, innovation, and education, passed the House of Representatives by a 262 to 150 vote today. This bill will strengthen the U.S. scientific and economic leadership, support employers, and create jobs in the short-, mid-, and long-term. It will help to prepare thousands of new teachers and provide current teachers with better materials and skills. It makes concerted efforts to increase the number of Advanced Placement teachers in high-need schools and provides students in high-need communities with access to laboratory experiences. This legislation includes important programs drafted by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s hand.

“I am pleased in committee we prohibited the consolidation of programs that serve minority institutions and students at the National Science Foundation.  I applaud the committee for including H.R. 1144, The Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering act, legislation I have sponsored for two Congresses. I also commend the committee for including my amendment which will give Minority Serving Institutions priority consideration for Energy Innovation HUBS.”

“My colleagues and I on the Committee on Science and Technology have held numerous hearings and markups to prepare the legislation that passed the House today,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “In order to become energy independent, create new jobs and exports, and develop the next great technology, we must invest robustly in scientific education and innovation. This is the goal of America COMPETES and I am pleased provisions are in this bill for all Americans.”

“America cannot afford to give up on science, innovation and education. Our Nation is being outpaced by our competitors in graduating Scientists and Engineers. It is so important to invest wisely in programs that truly make a difference in the achievement of our young people.”

“America COMPETES is about our future. It’s about ensuring we are taking the right steps towards increasing American competitiveness and innovation. It’s also about strengthening diversity in our nation’s scientific enterprise so all Americans can compete in the 21st century. We have an obligation to the future of our Nation to assure every segment of our population has equal access and opportunity to pursue careers in STEM.”

“I will continue to fight for innovation, justice, parity and equality for all Americans,” said Congresswoman Johnson

    
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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.