WASHINGTON – House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today named Monday, December 18, Science Day in Congress. On Science Day, the House will consider five bipartisan Science Committee bills that support careers and education in STEM, reauthorize federal firefighting programs and promote cooperative space and science programs between NASA and Israel.
Chairman Smith: “On Monday, the House will take up five bipartisan Science Committee bills. The bills advance STEM education and careers in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, math and computer science—update federal fire response programs and promote international space cooperation. With these five bills on the Floor, it’s fitting that we name Monday, December 18, Science Day in Congress. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in celebrating Science Day and recognizing the importance of research and discovery today and every day.”
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.): “America has led the world in science and innovation for generations. To think, 65 percent of today’s students will be employed in jobs that don’t exist yet. In our mission to prepare America’s next generation of innovation, the House will honor our nation’s history of leadership with Science Day. We will bring five bills to the floor that will support science, our nation’s infrastructure, aerospace and STEM careers. I applaud Chairman Smith on his hard work to get these bills ready for floor consideration.”
Science Day bills to be considered on the House Floor:
H.R. 4375, the STEM Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act, is sponsored by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), chairwoman of Research & Technology Subcommittee. The bill provides for a study and report on the effectiveness of National Science Foundation (NSF) research and education programs at broadening participation in STEM fields and requires more data on federal research grant application evaluations and outcomes. The bill text can be found here.
H.R. 4323, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act, is sponsored by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), a member of the Science Committee. The bill promotes veterans’ involvement in STEM education, computer science and scientific research. The bill text can be found here.
H.R. 4254, the Women in Aerospace Education Act, is sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight (R-Calif.), vice chairman of Energy Subcommittee. The bill amends the NSF Authorization Act to strengthen the aerospace workforce pipeline for women through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, NASA internship and fellowship opportunities, and by providing fellows and scholars research and intern experience at national labs and NASA centers. The bill text can be found here.
H.R. 1159, the United States and Israel Space Cooperation Act, is sponsored by Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.). The bill directs NASA to continue to work with the Israel Space Agency in identifying and cooperatively pursuing peaceful space exploration and science initiatives in areas of mutual interest with appropriate proprietary safeguards. The bill text can be found here.
H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017, is sponsored by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), chairwoman of Research & Technology Subcommittee. The bill reauthorizes the United States Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program through fiscal year 2023 with grant program sunsets one year later. The bill text can be found here.