Vote Explanation for H.R. 1806

Statement

Today, the House considered the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1806), which authorizes funding for federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) that support research programs throughout our country.

I voted against this bill because it reduces the amount of money available through federal grants to universities and research institutions that conduct important scientific research. These cuts will have a direct impact on universities such as UTEP. For example, H.R. 1806 reduces funding for the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) at NSF by more than $165 million, which works to better understand and predict extreme weather events and disasters. UTEP's geology doctoral program depends on grants from GEO and these cuts will adversely impact its ability to continue research in this area.

Additionally, H.R. 1806 reduces funding for the Directorate for Education and Human Resources program at NSF by roughly $100 million, which helps UTEP attract and recruit minority students to its graduate programs in the STEM fields. Without these funds, our community's ability to attract underrepresented populations to higher education will suffer.

I believe we should support programs that provide an opportunity for our country to produce the scientific advances that will keep us globally competitive.

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