House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas praised the House passage of seven bipartisan Committee bills today:
- H.R. 34 – Energy and Water Research Integration Act, sponsored by Science Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas
- H.R. 36 – Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act, sponsored by Science Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas
- H.R. 617 – Department of Energy Veterans’ Health Initiative Act, sponsored by Investigations & Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Ralph Norman
- H.R. 1665 – Building Blocks of STEM Act, sponsored by Research & Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Haley Stevens and Ranking Member Jim Baird, PhD
- H.R. 2397 – American Manufacturing Leadership Act, sponsored by Chairwoman Stevens and Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH)
- H.R. 3153 – EFFORT Act, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Ranking Member Baird
- H.R. 3196 – Vera C. Rubin Observatory Designation Act, sponsored by Chairwoman Johnson and Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR)
“These bills represent a broad range of bipartisan Committee priorities and I’m proud that they are one step closer to becoming law,” Lucas said. “The Science Committee has a pivotal role addressing our national research priorities. The bills we passed today expand research on the relationship between energy and water systems, combat sexual harassment in the sciences, improve veterans’ health care, support STEM education, modernize American manufacturing, curbing the opioid epidemic, and commemorating a pioneering scientist and advocate for women in STEM. I appreciate the work my colleagues have done on these bills to advance American science,” Lucas said.
Lucas spoke in depth about the H.R. 34 and H.R. 36, the first two bills introduced by the Committee this Congress.
H.R. 34 – Energy and Water Research Integration Act
“The production of energy is dependent on reliable sources of water, and the distribution of clean water is dependent on the availability of energy. No matter what the future U.S. energy market looks like – integrating these two systems is essential. The Energy and Water Research Integration Act will prioritize research into the crucial relationship between energy and water systems, helping to improve our nation’s energy efficiency, environmental stability, and economic growth.”
H.R. 36 – Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act
“For more than a year our Committee has been investigating the problem of sexual misconduct in scientific industry and academia. We’re losing valuable talent as women choose to leave STEM careers rather than endure harassment. No taxpayer dollars should fund researchers who are guilty of harassment. I’m proud to work with Chairwoman Johnson on legislation that takes the first steps to address this problem.”