Political Quotes

“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.…”