Title: Expressing support for the designation of the first Saturday of every January as "National FIRST Robotics Day".
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
This resolution supports the designation of a National FIRST Robotics Day and its celebration around the United States.
The resolution also encourages schools and educators to observe the day with activities that teach students about robotics and engage them with the study of mathematics and science.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 852 Introduced in House (IH)]

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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 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
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
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of a ``National FIRST Robotics 
        Day'' and its celebration around the United States;
            (2) recognizes the continuing importance of the National 
        Science Foundation's mathematics and science education 
        programs; and
            (3) encourages schools and educators to observe the day 
        with appropriate activities that teach students about robotics 
        and engage them with the study of mathematics and science.
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