Dan Lipinski: “I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5031, the STEM Education Act. Like…”

“I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5031, the STEM Education Act. Like Mr. Collins who spoke earlier, I am also a mechanical engineer. I understand, as all of us do, the importance of improving STEM education. It is one of the most important tasks our Nation faces if our children are going to be able to compete in the global economy of today and tomorrow. The language in this bill, which affirms support for informal STEM education at the National Science Foundation, is language that I offered to the NSF authorization bill in markup. I would like to thank Chairman Smith for including it in his bill. About 65 million visits to museum and science centers occur each year, including 13 million visits from schoolchildren. However, museums and science centers are much more than just an inspiring field trip destination. Their educational programming and inspirational exhibits linked to classroom curriculum make museums and science centers natural partners with schools in STEM education. Programs supporting informal education at museums and science centers are responsible for some of the most innovative forms of teaching around. Passage of this bill would be a clear signal that Congress supports informal STEM education activities funded by the National Science Foundation and would ensure that they continue. I would also like to thank my friend from Connecticut (Ms.…”