Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the bipartisan amendment that I am leading on with Representative Comstock, along with many of our colleagues on the STARBASE Caucus. I appreciate it being included in the en bloc package of amendments. This amendment would simply increase funding for the Department of Defense's STARBASE program from 25 to $30 million for the fiscal year 2018, bringing funding back to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. Providing science, technology, engineering, and math, STEM education, to America's youth is critical to the global competitiveness of our Nation. The STARBASE program engages local fifth grade elementary students by exposing them to STEM subjects through an inquiry-based curriculum. Serving communities from Los Alamitos, California, to Winchester, Virginia, and across the Nation, there are now 59 programs in congressional districts throughout 30 States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Close to 1 million fifth graders across the Nation have now had the opportunity to participate in hands-on STEM classes on military bases thanks to STARBASE. Moreover, the Department of Defense's STARBASE program is one of the most cost-effective programs across the Federal Government. Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of this amendment.”