Sheila Jackson Lee: “Let me take a moment to thank both of my fellow Texans and to acknowledge that I know that there is a difference of…”

“Let me take a moment to thank both of my fellow Texans and to acknowledge that I know that there is a difference of opinion, but no one can disagree with the crucialness of America's competitiveness and of the necessity for creating a workforce that can compete. Allow me to acknowledge Congressman Johnson for the steadfast commitment and service to the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I had the privilege of serving with her in the early stages of my membership here in this august body, and I want to thank her personally for the great strides and successes that she has had in expanding opportunities for the most vulnerable in our community. Mr. Chairman, my amendment speaks to this issue, and it continues to seek to address the STEM education gap for K-12 students. Jackson Lee amendment No. 3 creates State and regional workshops to train K-12 teachers in project-based science and technology learning, which will allow them to provide instruction in initiating robotics and other STEM competition team development programs. I now serve on the Homeland Security Committee, and I note that the extent of technology in securing this Nation is without comparison. It is necessary. It is crucial. This amendment also leverages the collaboration among higher education businesses and local and private/ public education agencies to support STEM efforts at schools located in areas where unemployment is 1 percent or more above the national rate.…”