Jim Baird: “I thank Congresswoman Houlahan for her dedication to improving STEM education and for being a great partner to work with…”

“I thank Congresswoman Houlahan for her dedication to improving STEM education and for being a great partner to work with on advancing this bill. Mr. Speaker, the Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act provides a much-needed solution to improving the quality of STEM education in America. This bill would advance mathematical instruction in our classrooms by incorporating modern tools and context, with data and computational studies. Mathematical modeling is taught today, but on a limited basis. Even so, mathematical modeling is the foundation for the important work of our Nation when it comes to research, development, and, ultimately, technological innovation. While the bill directs the National Science Foundation to grant awards to our institutions of higher education, the bill does not award any new funding. We must work with the resources we already have. As an animal scientist, I understand the life-changing effects proper mathematical modeling can have on our livestock, our food, and, ultimately, our Nation's well-being. That is why I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure that the United States continues to dominate in STEM education, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for this bill.”