Political Quotes

“First of all I want to thank Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall of the Science and Technology Committee for their work to develop and promote policies to strengthen our Nation's competitiveness in STEM. In particular, I applaud the chairman for his leadership in broadening the participation of individuals and institutions that are underrepresented in STEM. You and your staff actively engaged with me and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus to listen to and address our concerns, and we appreciate that. I also want to recognize and thank Dahlia Sokolov on your staff for sharing her expertise and for being so responsive. H.R. 5116 includes multiple provisions that respond to concerns raised by multiple reports, STEM experts, and Members of the Congress that stronger efforts to broaden participation are critical to meeting the growing demand for U.S. workers with STEM skills and to improve American competitiveness globally. The amendment that I offer, along with my colleagues Congressman Grijalva, Congressman Honda, and Congressman Kildee, builds upon the existing provisions of the bill to further increase the access of minority students to, and the capacity of, minority institutions to provide STEM opportunities.”