Title: Expressing support for designation of the third Friday of every March, 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 states and local educational agencies to fund after-school robotics programs.
Finally, the resolution 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 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 259 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 259

Expressing support for designation of the third Friday of every March, 
                  as ``National FIRST Robotics Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 19, 2021

    Mr. Foster (for himself and Mr. Cohen) 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 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 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 math and science education programs;
            (3) encourages States and local educational agencies to 
        fund afterschool robotics programs using funds made available 
        by title IV, part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act; and
            (4) encourages schools and educators to observe the day 
        with appropriate activities that teach students about robotics 
        and engage them about the study of mathematics and science.
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