House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas welcomed two new Republican Members to the Committee today. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR) were confirmed as the newest Committee Members today.

“I’m proud to welcome Representatives Herrera Beutler and González-Colón to our Committee,” said Ranking Member Frank Lucas. “Both Jaime and Jenniffer understand the importance of the Committee’s work and how smart investments in basic science can drive innovation and job creation. I’m looking forward to their contributions to the Committee’s work on research and development, energy innovation, and STEM education.”

“From ensuring women can compete in high-skilled STEM jobs to advancing new energy technology and renewable sources, the Science, Space and Technology Committee is on the front lines of driving innovation and research,” said Herrera Beutler. “It’s a privilege to participate on this committee. While this will likely be a temporary post for me, I’m eager to get to work right away on science and technology-based solutions that benefit Southwest Washington and the rest of the country.”

"42% of the economy of Puerto Rico comes from the manufacturing and pharmaceuticals industries. Puerto Rico is a development hub for these companies and universities that receive research grants. This Committee will help us boost Puerto Rico’s research capacity as it has jurisdiction over agencies that drive research and technology such as the National Science Foundation. After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, I worked to allocate millions of dollars in federal funds for repairs and improvements in the National Meteorological Center, and meteorological radars, amongst others.  These areas have been part of my top priorities.  This committee has jurisdiction over core agencies operating in Puerto Rico, such as the National Meteorology Service, Department of Energy, NASA and the National Foundation of the Sciences,” said González-Colón, a product of the University Gardens school that specializes in science and mathematics in Puerto Rico.  González-Colón reiterated her commitment to promoting STEM education on the island as well as work on the environment, space, and research among others.

González-Colón's quote in Spanish follows: 

“El 42% de la economía de Puerto Rico proviene de la industria manufacturera y de las farmacéuticas, siendo Puerto Rico un “hub” de investigaciones por parte de estas compañías y de universidades por sus “grants” para investigaciones. Este comité nos ayudará a impulsar estas áreas ya que tiene jurisdicción sobre agencias que impulsan la investigación y tecnología como La Fundación Nacional para las Ciencias. Tras el paso de los huracanes Irma y María, la comisionada consiguió millones dólares en fondos federales para reparaciones y mejoras en el Centro Nacional de Meteorología, radares meteorológicos, bollas y otros. Estas áreas han formado parte de las prioridades de la comisionada y precisamente, este comité tiene jurisdicción sobre agencias medulares para Puerto Rico, como el Servicio Nacional de Meteorología, Departamento de Energía, instituciones promotoras de investigaciones en las ciencias como la NASA y la Fundación Nacional de las Ciencias”,  expresó González Colón, producto de la escuela University Gardens, especializada en ciencias y matemáticas en Puerto Rico, quien reiteró su compromiso  con impulsar las STEM en la isla. como estimular el interés de nuestros estudiantes en las materias de ciencias, matemáticas, ingeniería y tecnología; así como en el medioambiente, el espacio, la investigación entre otros.