Sherwood Boehlert: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3130 proposes a simple and direct solution to a clear and urgent problem. The problem is that fewer…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3130 proposes a simple and direct solution to a clear and urgent problem. The problem is that fewer and fewer American college students are majoring in mathematics, engineering, technology, or science, particularly in the physical sciences. This is a source of growing concern for many reasons. First and most obviously, the Nation needs to constantly replenish its supply of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to have a workforce that can compete in this increasingly technological world. The U.S. cannot assume that it can rely forever on immigrants, foreign students, and temporary emergency visa programs to meet its long-term workforce needs. Yet that is exactly what we are doing right now. But the problem goes beyond filling jobs that explicitly call for someone with a science degree. In today's world, just about every job has a component that is informed by science and technology, from the assembly line to the boardroom. Yet we have fewer and fewer Americans who have the background to understand and analyze technical information. Indeed, just to be an active citizen today requires more scientific background than was the case just a few years ago.”