Vernon Ehlers: “America is a wonderful country. I am very proud of the U.S.A. We are the best country in so many different ways. And I…”

“America is a wonderful country. I am very proud of the U.S.A. We are the best country in so many different ways. And I believe we should be the best in everything. We have the resources, the knowledge, and the energy to achieve it. Today I want to mention one thing in which we are not the best. In fact, we are letting our kids down. The majority of jobs available today in our economy are jobs in science, math, engineering, technology, and, of course, computers. Yet, our science and math education in this country is among the worst of the developed countries, as demonstrated by test after test. Ninety-three percent of Americans are aware of this and say that they want better math and science education. I happen to be a nuclear physicist. I have also worked in elementary school science education. Because of this, and because of my concern about education in this country, I have sponsored three bills which will improve math and science education in this country. I urge my colleagues to join me by cosponsoring these bipartisan bills; I guarantee they will help to improve math and science education in this country, and should make us the international leader in this category, just as we are in so many others. I urge Members' support of these bills. Join with me and Governor George Bush in advocating improvement of math and science education in this country.”