WASHINGTON – Lawmakers today praised the U.S. House of Representatives’ bipartisan passage of four Science Day bills. The House this week approved three bills that further STEM education and careers in STEM fields and a bill that reauthorizes and updates federal fire response and research programs. A full list and description of the bills can be found here.

Chairman Smith: “In honor of Science Day in Congress, the House has taken bipartisan action to improve STEM education, encourage careers in STEM fields and update federal fire and emergency response programs. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting these bills and helping celebrate Science Day in Congress.”

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.): “This week the House voted to put America’s stamp on the future. We passed important legislation to support careers in STEM, aerospace, and more. Our nation and the world rely heavily on the breakthroughs of American scientists, and we have made sure, with the leadership of Chairman Smith, that we will continue to lead on these important issues.”

Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), chairwoman of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, on H.R. 4375, the STEM Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act: “Our nation must be a leader in the STEM fields and this legislation will promote a robust STEM economy that will enhance opportunity for Americans from all walks of life, especially those who have been underrepresented in these increasingly critical fields. The diversity of our scientists and researchers is a key strength as they build on each other’s work to discover breakthroughs and create revolutionary research techniques. I appreciate Chairman Smith and my Science Committee colleagues for their work on this important issue as we continue to foster a nation where people can thrive in the STEM fields.”

Rep. Comstock on H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017: “Our brave first responders are on the frontlines when fighting fires and saving lives. This critical funding will give them the important tools they need to ensure the safety of our communities. The FIRE and SAFER grants help our local community and state firefighting programs with better recruitment and training of firefighters and increased funding for critical equipment that keeps them safe on the job. Thank you to my colleagues for their important work on this legislation as we work to ensure the safety and high level of training of our first responders.”

Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.) on H.R. 4323, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act: “This bill is a common-sense step to honor our commitment to America’s veterans. It also will bring highly trained service members into innovative STEM fields and help keep America’s economy on the cutting edge. I commend Chairman Lamar Smith on his leadership in broadening opportunities in STEM fields for our veterans.”

Rep. Steve Knight (R-Calif.), vice chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, on H.R. 4254, the Women in Aerospace Education Act: “If we are to remain competitive in this increasingly dynamic and competitive global economy, it's essential that we promote STEM education and careers in our youth. The Women in Aerospace Education Act will ensure our young minds are equipped with the knowledge and experience to lead our industry into the future. I am very happy the House passed this bipartisan piece of legislation. I look forward to helping move this bill forward into law and am especially excited to set free the potential of our nation’s brightest youth.”

Click here to read letters of support for Science Day bills.