On June 7, the House approved, by voice vote, a resolution (H. Con. Res. 421) supporting Greater Opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (GO-STEM) programs.
Sponsored by Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), the resolution highlights the Academic Competitiveness Council, which was established by Congress in February 2006 to improve the effectiveness of federal education programs with a mathematics and science focus. H. Con. Res. 421 urges better coordination and minimal duplication of mathematics and science education programs across federal agencies, as well as consistent evaluation standards for those programs. According to the resolution, federal funding for mathematics and science education programs should follow the recommendations of the Academic Competitiveness Council.
Noting that women and minority groups are “seriously underrepresented in STEM fields,” Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) stated, “Inclusion of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM will help correct the historical employment inequities that have existed in our country and help supply the American economy with the STEM expertise that the country needs to innovate and remain competitive.”
