Introduction of the National Science Foundation Scholarship Program Act
INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 06, 2006)
* Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the National Science Foundation Scholars Program Act to support students who wish to be scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians.
* Although not every student in America needs to become a scientist, technician, engineer, or a mathematician, those who are headed that way need our support for what they contribute to the long term economic health of our nation. This merit-based financial support gives consideration to financial need and to the goal of supporting underrepresented groups as defined in the Equality in Science and Engineering Act.
* The United States needs to improve our technical and scientific workforce for the success of our nation in the unfolding global knowledge economy. Although we still educate many foreign students in our graduate science, technology, and engineering, and mathematics departments across the nation, we no longer keep these talented, well-trained individuals here; they want to return to their home.
* We must create and retain our highly-skilled, well-trained scientific and technical work force here rather than be dependent on work abroad.
* Increases in tuition at colleges and universities in the United States have outpaced inflation for the past two decades. The increases are especially large at public 4-year colleges. The NSF Scholars program would serve as a real inducement to students who would augment our highly-skilled, highly technical work force.
* As we move to a global knowledge economy, Juan Enriquez gives us warning for the future of our nation: ``In a borderless world ..... those who do not educate ..... and keep their citizens ..... will lose most intellectual wars.''
* I hope we choose instead to educate our citizens and maintain our strength and competitiveness through the NSF Scholars Program Act.
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