Vernon Ehlers: “I rise to comment positively on H. Con. Res. 421, but also to express some concerns about it. I commend Representative…”

“I rise to comment positively on H. Con. Res. 421, but also to express some concerns about it. I commend Representative Tom Price for his interest in supporting Greater Opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math-- collectively, STEM--programs and I thank him for including a change in the manager's amendment. STEM education is extremely important to our Nation, because our economic and national security rely on technical and innovative expertise in these fields. However, I am concerned that this resolution, despite the change in the manager's amendment, still gives premature support to the Academic Competitiveness Council's-- ACC--recommendations, which are not due until February 2007. The impetus for the ACC sprang from a 2005 Government Accountability Office study on Federal STEM programs. It is my understanding that Federal agencies with STEM programs have a seat at the ACC table. However, I am concerned that not all agencies have an equal appreciation or understanding of the importance of STEM education in improving our national competitiveness and security. The National Science Foundation--NSF--has a proven track record of expertise and experience in STEM programs. We all know that NSF grants have led to truly revolutionary discoveries and technical advances.…”