Steven Holt: “I thank the gentleman. I just wanted to describe two amendments that I have that the chairman and the leadership were…”

“I thank the gentleman. I just wanted to describe two amendments that I have that the chairman and the leadership were kind enough to include en bloc. I am a member of the United States commission on research and development in the intelligence community. I won't go through the whole report--in fact, it's being declassified in part now--but we talk about the great looming threat to our technological advantage in the intelligence arena--the shortage of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. {time} 1850 I have an amendment directing the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress within 60 days from this bill on whether the science, mathematics, and research transformation of the SMART scholarship program is providing adequate help to undergraduate and graduate students to meet our scientific and technical needs. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the Rules Committee making this amendment in order, My amendment's purpose is to ensure that the United States defense and intelligence communities have the necessary scientific and technical talent in the years ahead so that our nation maintains its ability to avoid strategic surprise and preserve our technological edge against known or potential opponents. For the last 18 months, I have served as a member of the United States Commission on Research and Development in the Intelligence Community.…”