IV 

116TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 942 

Expressing support for designation of the third Friday of every March, 

as ‘‘National FIRST Robotics Day’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

APRIL 28, 2020 

Mr. FOSTER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the 

Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions 

as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for designation of the third Friday of 

every March, as ‘‘National FIRST Robotics Day’’. 

Whereas FIRST is For the Inspiration and Recognition of 

Science and Technology; 

Whereas robotics is rapidly proving to be one of the most effective, compelling, and engaging means for teaching and 

reinforcing fundamental science, technology, engineering, 

and mathematics (STEM) concepts as well as inspiring 

the Nation’s youth to pursue STEM-related careers, 

thereby helping to create a highly skilled, 21st-century 

American workforce; 

Whereas there is a strong need to recognize America’s leadership in robotics technology, educate the public on robotics 


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•HRES 942 IH 

technology’s broad potential, growing importance, and future impact on American society, underscore the need for 

increased investment in robotics technology research and 

development, and inspire the Nation’s youth to pursue 

careers in robotics and other STEM-related fields; 

Whereas the United States has the largest number of academic and research organizations with dedicated programs focused on the advancement of robotics technology; 

Whereas aptitude in mathematics, science, and engineering is 

essential for a knowledge-based society; 

Whereas the Federal Government must continue to make 

deep, hands-on STEM experiences a true priority in 

school districts around the country by unlocking increased funding for programming that— 

(1) builds strong foundations for STEM literacy; 

(2) increases diversity, equity, and inclusion in 

STEM; and 

(3) prepares the STEM workforce for the future; 

Whereas not all STEM jobs of the 21st century require a traditional 4-year degree, so greater pathways toward 

STEM education must be encouraged; 

Whereas robotics has matured into an all-encompassing and 

enabling technology that, as a pillar of 21st-century 

American innovation, is positioned to fuel a broad array 

of next generation products and applications, and transform our society; 

Whereas the emerging market for robotics and related technology in various sectors, including health care, national 

defense, homeland security, energy, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, agriculture, education, consumer 


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goods, and others, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20 percent over the next few 

years to become a worldwide $27,000,000,000 industry; 

and 

Whereas robotics is a critical technology capable in the near 

term of contributing to the economic recovery by creating 

new jobs, increasing productivity, improving quality, and 

increasing worker safety: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of a ‘‘National 

3 FIRST Robotics Day’’ and its celebration around 

4 the United States; 

5 (2) recognizes the continuing importance of the 

6 National Science Foundation’s math and science 

7 education programs; 

8 (3) encourages States and local educational 

9 agencies to fund afterschool robotics programs using 

10 funds made available by title IV, part A of the Every 

11 Student Succeeds Act; and 

12 (4) encourages schools and educators to observe 

13 the day with appropriate activities that teach stu14 dents about robotics and engage them about the 

15 study of mathematics and science. 

Æ 


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