McNerney Votes To Keep America Competitive

Press Release

MCNERNEY VOTES TO KEEP AMERICA COMPETITIVE

This afternoon, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) voted to address crucial innovation and competitiveness issues for our country by supporting legislation that will increase the number of highly qualified math and science teachers in K-12 education and support young researchers to foster innovative scientific research.

"Before my election to Congress, I spent my entire academic and professional career as a scientist, mathematician and engineer," said Rep. McNerney. "I know how important scientific research is because it leads to the innovative discoveries that fuel our economy."

"I am concerned," Rep. McNerney continued, "having seen a number of recent studies warning that the United States is falling behind other countries in science and math education. That is why I am pleased that we took steps today to increase the number of qualified K-12 math and science teachers and to encourage young scientists and researchers to pursue high-risk/high-reward research."

H.R. 362, the "10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds" Science and Math Scholarship Act, will invest in 10,000 new science and math teachers by increasing the number of scholarships for students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and who are committed to pursuing teaching.

It will also strengthen the math, science and technology skills of up to 250,000 teachers by improving education and training opportunities for math and science educators and expanding professional development, summer training institutes, and graduate education assistance.

H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, will provide grants for outstanding researchers in the early on in their careers from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

It will also establish a Presidential Innovation Award to stimulate scientific and engineering advances, and a national coordination office to identify and prioritize research infrastructure needs at universities and national laboratories.

Both of these bills are part of the Innovation Agenda, a package of legislation designed to spur domestic economic growth and maintain America's competitive edge in the global economy.

Rep. McNerney said, "I recognize the need for renewed interest in, and dedication to, scientific development in order to keep our country competitive on the world stage. I hope the measures we voted on today will aid in compelling today's students and researchers to follow their scientific pursuits."

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