Washington, DC (Thursday, April 29, 2010) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement today after the House Science and Technology Committee voted last night to update and reauthorize the America COMPETES Act that seeks to boost America’s competitiveness by strengthening the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.  

“It has been an uphill battle in getting equality for women when it comes to reaching the higher echelons of scientific achievement,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I am pleased to see this important legislation included as a part of America COMPETES.”

Based on the National Academies’ recommendations from the report “Beyond Bias and Barriers”, Congresswoman Johnson introduced the Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Act, first in the 110th Congress and now in the 111th Congress. Congresswoman Johnson’s amendment creates a grant program to increase awareness of gender bias among university research faculty, as well as giving extended research grant support and interim technical support for researchers. The amendment also provides better data and transparency on research grants and faculty hiring and tenure practices.

To ensure diversity within Energy Innovation Hubs at the Department of Energy, Congresswoman Johnson’s second amendment to COMPETES called for priority consideration for applications that include 1890 Land Grant Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions and Tribal Colleges. “These universities maintain unique relationships with communities of color,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “We should implement their ability to educate these communities on the opportunities in green industries and the techniques needed to succeed in to a larger energy strategy. This research will ultimately yield new technologies, which will create new jobs for American families. This is America COMPETES, and it must include all Americans.”

The Competes Act is expected to come to the House Floor for a vote before the Memorial Day District Work Period.

    
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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.