Date: 2009-01-28
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chair. as snow drifts outside our nations. Capitol. we acknowledge that we as a nation are in the midst of an economic winter. I support H.R. 1. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. because I believe that the federal and state programs funded therein will provide needed stimulus to our economy. With record numbers of Americans unemployed. with our defense budget stretched in war. with our children slipping in educational competitiveness. and with the sick and elderty facing a deepening well of poverty. it is time to act. Congress and the Administration have swiftly assembled a package of wideranging support in many important areas. I particulary support the science and educational stimulus activities. Science and technology funding go directly to the hightech workforce. Investments in the Advanced Research Project Agency for Energy will support research into energy sources and energy efficiency. The bill also contains funding toward a more reliable. eLiergyefficient electricity grid to keep up with tomorrows technologies. It contains money for the National Institute of Standards and Technology to fund grants for research science buildings at colleges and universities. Funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration will enable more scientists to conduct climate change research. Investments in scientific research are investments in our future. They will pay for themselves tenfold over future generations and very well could save our planet from the destructive effects of global warming. Educational opportunities for all students are an imperative investment in our future. This recovery package will. make bold investments to provide children with a 21st century education. modemize our schools and colleges. and make college more affordable. An investment of $14 billion for modernization of K12 schools is badly needed. The legislation also contains money to enable bright students to go to college. It improves current higher educatiop tax credits by creating a new "American Opportunity" tax credit with a maximum of $2.500. rather than the current maximum of $1.800. This expansion will make college more affordable for millions of low- and moderateincome students. It also provides additional support for the Head Start program. which will provide important development services to 110.000 additional lowincome preschool children. Furthermore. the bill provides funds for competitive grants to provide financial incentives for teachers who raise student achievement and close the achievement gaps in highneed schools. We must invest in our nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions. Currently. there exists a "digital divide" between HBCU campuses and their counterparts. There is a great need to update campus technology and develop educational and technological opportunities for students and staff. Because of their unique resources. HBCUs continue to be extremely effective in producing African American graduates and preparing them to compete in the global economy. HBCUs represent nine of the top ten colleges that graduate the most African Americans who go on to earn Ph.D.s. I request to insert data into the RECORD demonstrating the important value that HBCUs add. when it comes to minority education. The distinctive ability of HBCUs to provide opportunity and advancement to African American students is undeniable and is worthy of federal support. When Americans think of this landmark stimulus bill. shovelready projects may immediately come to mind. However. investments in research and in math and science education will pay longterm dividends. They not only will create new jobs. but they will elevate our workforce by providing an excellent education. These investments will open a world of opportunities for millions who previously had none. This bill is an investment in our future: tomorrow and for decades to come.