Date: 2015-04-30
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. let me thank again the chairman of the subcommittee and the ranking member for their courtesy and. as well. for the work that they have done on this legislation. This amendment was in this bill in the 113th in the FY 2013 Energy and Water Resources. It is a continuing effort to ensure that we focus on the need for science. technology. engineering. and math among minority populations in the United States. The amendment prohibits the use of funds made available for science in title III of the Department of Energy programs to be used in contravention of the Department of Energy Organization Act. and addresses the need to increase programs that educate minorities in science. technology. engineering. and math. Some almost 20 years ago. on February 11. 1994. President Clinton. in an executive order. directed Federal agencies to identify and address the disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their actions on minority and lowincome populations. The Department of Energy seeks to provide equal access in these opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM. including minorities. Native Americans. and women. Mr. Chairman. women and minorities make up 70 percent of college students but only 45 percent of undergraduate STEM degree holders. This large pool of untapped talent is a great potential source of STEM professionals. As the Nations demographics are shifting. as more and more of our children come of age. it is important that we continue to focus on improving the numbers of minorities who seek STEM opportunities. It is good for the country. I applaud Energy Secretary Moniz commitment. which will increase the Nations economic competitiveness and enable our people to realize their full potential. Mr. Chairman. there are still a great many scientific riddles to be solved. and the more people we have trained in the sciences. the more competitive our Nation will be. and the more we invest in underserved communities. the more competitive our Nation will be. The larger point is that we need more STEM educators and more minorities to qualify for them. So I ask my colleagues to ensure that we continue this very important focus and emphasize the continued investment improving access to science. technology. engineering. and math to. in essence. solve. or help solve. the scientific riddles that continue to be before us to improve the quality of life of all Americans. I ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment. which invests in STEM in America for those who are underserved and whose lives could be enhanced by these programs. Mr. Chair. thank you for this opportunity to describe my amendment. which simply provides that: "None of the funds made available by this Act for Department of EnergyEnergy ProgramsScience may be used in contravention of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.)." This amendment was approved and adopted in identical form on June 5. 2012. during the 112th Congress as an amendment to H.R. 5325. the Energy and Water Resources Appropriations Act of 2013. Mr. Chair. I want to thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur for their stewardship in bringing this legislation to the floor and for their commitment to preserving Americas great natural environment and resources so that they can serve and be enjoyed by generations to come. Mr. Chair. twenty years ago. on February 11. 1994. President Clinton issued Executive Order 12898. directing federal agencies to identify and address the disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their actions on minority and lowincome populations. The Department of Energy seeks to provide equal access in these opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM. including minorities. Native Americans. and women. Mr. Chair. women and minorities make up 70 percent of college students. but only 45 percent of undergraduate STEM degree holde rs. This large pool of untapped talent is a great potential source of STEM professionals. As the nations demographics are shifting and now most children under the age of one are minorities. it is critical that we close the gap in the number of minorities who seek STEM opportunities. I applaud the Energy Secretary Monizs commitment which will increase the nations economic competitiveness and enable more of our people to realize their full potential. Mr. Chair. there are still a great many scientific riddles left to be solvedand perhaps one of these days a minority engineer or biologist will comeup with some of the solutions. The larger point is that we need more STEM educators and more minorities to qualify for them. The energy and science education programs funded in part by this bill will help ensure that members of underrepresented communities are not placed at a disadvantage when it comes to the environmental sustainability. preservation. and health. Through education about the importance of environmental sustainability. we can promote a broader understanding of science and how citizens can improve their surroundings. Through community education efforts. teachers and students have also benefitted by learning about radiation. radioactive waste management. and other related subjects. The Department of Energy places interns and volunteers from minority institutions into energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The DOE also works to increase low income and minority access to STEM fields and help students attain graduate degrees as well as find employment. With the continuation of this kind of funding. we can increase diversity. provide clean energy options to our most underserved communities. and help improve their environments. which will yield better health outcomes and greater public awareness. But most importantly businesses will have more consumers to whom they may engage in related commercial activities. My amendment will help ensure that underrepresented communities are able to participate and contribute equitably in the energy and scientific future. I ask my colleagues to join me and support the Jackson Lee Amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.