IV 

116TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 852 

Expressing support for the designation of the first Saturday of every January 

as ‘‘National FIRST Robotics Day’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

FEBRUARY 12, 2020 

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

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for the designation of the first Saturday 

of every January 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 

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


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•HRES 852 IH 

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 mathematics and science are a critical part of a 

child’s education; 

Whereas aptitude in mathematics, science, and engineering is 

essential for a knowledge-based society; 

Whereas the United States needs to reinforce mathematics 

and science education for all students in order to better 

prepare children for the future and to succeed in a 21st 

century economy; 

Whereas the National Science Foundation has been driving 

innovation in mathematics and science education at all 

levels from elementary through graduate education since 

its creation 68 years ago; 

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 society; 

Whereas the emerging market for service robotics in various 

sectors, including health care, national defense, homeland 

security, energy, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, 

agriculture, education, consumer 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 


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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 mathematics and 

7 science education programs; and 

8 (3) encourages schools and educators to observe 

9 the day with appropriate activities that teach stu10 dents about robotics and engage them with the study 

11 of mathematics and science. 

Æ 


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