Congressman Mike Simpson demonstrated his strong support for education, teachers and Idaho Schools when he joined colleagues in passing two important pieces of education legislation today. H.R. 362, 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds, Science and Math Scholarship Act and H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, both demonstrate the importance of math and science education as well as Congress’ commitment to America’s future in these areas. 

“It’s easy for most of the world to know what they will be doing in ten to twenty years; it is what America is doing right now,” said Simpson. “Our future is unknown and in order to maintain our innovative edge, we must give teachers and students the resources they need to excel in math and science.”

H.R. 362, 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds, Science and Math Scholarship Act authorizes programs to improve U.S. math, science, and engineering education at all levels. These programs will develop and provide teacher training, attract math and science majors to teaching, and improve undergraduate math, science and engineering courses.

“Council on Competitiveness, National Academy of Sciences, Micron Technology and other high-tech companies agree that we need to emphasize the importance of strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the U.S. to ensure that the nation’s workforce can compete globally,” said Simpson. “The passage of these bills will help us reach this goal.”

H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers. Students must be attending institutions of higher education in the United States or at certain research organizations to conduct research in fields relevant to the mission of the NSF.

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program will be designated as the mechanism for awarding the grants.

The Department of Energy (DOE) will carry out a similar program and the Director will be required to transmit a report on efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers at DOE laboratories.

The bill also directs the President to periodically present the Presidential Innovation Award to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering ideas in the national interest.