On April 24, 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives cleared two bills that comprise key components of the Democrats’ Innovation Agenda aimed at strengthening U.S. basic research, improving, and supporting the national corps of math and science teachers. The bills were both authored by Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), Chairman of the House Science & Technology Committee. They are based upon the recommendations of the National Academies of Science’s widely-acknowledged “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” report, which found that the U.S. stands to lose its competitive edge in the international economy unless immediate action is taken.

H.R. 362, the “10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds” Science and Math Scholarship Act and H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds through Science and Engineering Research Act, cleared the House by wide bipartisan margins and provide (breakdown the budget) in funding for its supported activities. These activities include grants for basic research, scholarships, graduate research assistantships, staff development for science teachers. A much larger companion bill was passed by the Senate. This signals significant Congressional intent with respect to support for increasing America science and technology capacity. We recommend that you preview this legislation and prepare yourselves NOW to participate the resulting programs as soon as they are implemented. See included links for further information.

Committee Emphasizes Need for Action on and Support of U.S. Innovation, Research, Competitiveness Efforts

Bipartisan Group Accepts “American Innovation Proclamation” on Behalf of Congress

(Washington, DC) Some of the nation’s top business leaders, innovators and academics gathered today before the House Committee on Science and Technology to underscore the critical importance of science and technology to our nation’s prosperity.

Their focus – legislation currently before the Committee authored by Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and based upon a widely regarded 2005 report from the National Academies entitled “Rising Above the Gathering Storm.” That report was requested by Chairman Gordon and former Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), along with Senate colleagues Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM).

That report found that “absent decisive action” on the part of government, the standing as the global innovation and technological leader is in jeopardy. The report suggested action items – key among them, placing well qualified science and math teachers in the nation’s K-12 classrooms and substantially increasing basic research funding.

“In order to produce the most innovative scientists and engineers in the world, our children must be the highest achieving science and math students in the world,” said Chairman Gordon. “That’s going to take a sustained investment of real dollars and a commitment to getting the job done for the long-term – not just putting a short-term bandage on it.”

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Subcommittee Discusses Federal STEM Education Programs with Educators

Recognizing that math and science educators play a major role in keeping the U.S. competitive in a 21st century economy, members of the Science and Technology Committee’s Research and Science Education Subcommittee today investigated educators’ experiences working with federal science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs for K-16 students.

During the hearing, Chairman Brian Baird (D-WA) led members in examining if educators are utilizing information provided by federal agencies, if the federal government is creating effective and manageable programs for educators, whether there is a lack of a coordinated effort between agencies, and whether federal programs are improving STEM education in America.

"One of the most important things our country can do for our future economic health is to invest in math and science education, and more importantly, our math and science teachers," said Chairman Baird. "Teachers who have a strong understanding and passion for a subject will pass that enthusiasm onto their students. As we continue investigating how to improve federal STEM education programs, it is critical that we obtain guidance from those who work directly with teachers and students."

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