WU EXPANDS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FARM BILL
Press Release
WU EXPANDS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FARM BILL
Congressman David Wu today successfully amended H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007, to expand educational opportunities for Oregon students. As introduced, the bill unfairly excluded Oregon universities and students from participating in a new policy-oriented education internship program focused on the development of biofuels from biomass.
"This is an issue of fairness, and a recognition of Oregon's strong academic programs in these fields of study as well as my confidence that our students can compete amongst the best and the brightest," Congressman Wu said. "Congress should open doors of opportunity to all qualified universities and students."
H.R. 2419 creates an Agricultural Biofuels from Biomass internship opportunity that would allow third or fourth year undergraduate or graduate students to work within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Congress, other Federal agencies and nonprofit institutions on alternative energy development and policy. Students would receive practical, hands-on work experience with the unique opportunity to shape public policy.
As currently written, the program unfairly limited eligibility to universities and students in only five states: California, Iowa, Missouri, Georgia and Minnesota.
Congressman Wu's amendment made the eligibility criteria fairer by opening the door for more students to apply. His amendment expands the program to qualified universities that have fields of study related to the biomass and biofuel industry. Schools with programs in chemistry, environmental sciences, bioengineering, natural resources and public policy would be eligible to participate in the internship program.
The amendment does not add any additional cost to the bill; it simply makes the internship more competitive.
Congressman Wu added, "Global climate change, compounded by an unstable foreign oil supply, requires that the United States invest in alternative energies. To do this, we must recruit emerging leaders across the nation to participate in this educational opportunity as America moves toward greater energy security."
The U.S. House of Representatives is debating and voting on amendments to H.R. 2419 this week. Debate is expected to conclude tomorrow as well as the final vote for passage.
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