Msi Stem Achievement Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, since 1904, Bethune-Cookman University, a historically Black college, has contributed to a rich, diverse history in my district in Florida. Four thousand students proudly call this university home. In Florida's Sixth Congressional District, we are proud of all of Bethune-Cookman's accomplishments, especially in the STEM fields. I personally look forward to seeing the statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune represent the great State of Florida in Statuary Hall very soon.

Mr. Speaker, minorities make up 30 percent of the United States population, but nationwide we are seeing a gap in minority representation in STEM fields. Believe it or not, minorities account for only 11 percent of the STEM workforce, and that 11 percent comes after years of slow improvement and diversity inclusion, but does not factor in how the COVID pandemic has disproportionately affected women and underrepresented minorities in STEM. There is fear that this limited progress may be undone by the COVID-19 crisis.

Simultaneously, the demand for STEM skills is at an all-time high. Over the next decade, the STEM shortage is anticipated to reach 1 million professionals. So we have a math problem.

If we want to maintain America's edge over the Chinese Communist Party and over our adversaries, then we need to make sure our workforce reflects our country's diversity and that the numbers for that workforce are there. We must commit to increasing participation in the STEM enterprise and supporting individuals and institutions disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Minority-serving institutions like Bethune-Cookman University play a critical role in bringing members of underrepresented groups into STEM training and careers. By partnering with MSIs, the bill we are considering today would help increase the capacity for minority students in STEM curricula and encourage partnerships with industry and Federal laboratories.

While the Chinese Communist Party is trying to leapfrog America in STEM, this bill will enhance our domestic workforce to compete. If America wants to lead militarily, economically, and globally, then we must lead in STEM.

Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss to not mention the importance of women as well in STEM. As I have said countless times since I have been elected, and will continue to say, from my experience as a Green Beret around the globe, where women thrive in business, in civil society, and in politics, the fact is that extremism does not thrive. So for that reason, amongst others, diversity in STEM is a national security issue.

In Volusia County, in my district, just north of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and the Kennedy Space Center, we are seeing countless businesses participate in workforce programs like the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program. This program and others are making huge strides to advance STEM curriculum and workforce development.

As the Republican lead on the MSI STEM Achievement Act, I want to thank Chairwoman Johnson, as well as Ranking Member Lucas, for working with me to improve participation in STEM at MSIs. For America's continued predominance in science and technology, I urge my colleagues to support this important bill and for its passage.

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