117th Congress Sees Bills Funding Student Computer Science

In the first five months of the 117th Congress, about a dozen bills have been introduced in an effort to increase STEM and computer science education funding and participation across the country. In response to an ever changing workforce and COVID-19, the economy that our children will inherit will be vastly different from the one we know today. Congress has recognized this need for retraining and upscaling our STEM education efforts and, in turn, has introduced various pieces of bipartisan legislation.

H.R.2225: Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30-D): NSF enter into a contract with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to assess the status and opportunities for Pre-K through 12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science, (STEM) education research

H.R.3602: Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13-D): To increase access to prekindergarten through grade 12 computer science education. 

H.R.3855: Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11-D): Amend the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant program to promote career awareness in accounting as part of a well-rounded STEM educational experience.

H.R.3588: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06-D): To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on modernizing mathematics in STEM education. 

S.1565: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): Provides for hands-on learning opportunities in STEM education.

S.1297: Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV): Establishes a new national program to support mid-career workers in reentering the STEM workforce.

H.R.1199: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06-D): STEM Diplomacy Act – alters occupational requirements for those with STEM skills.

S.257: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): Emergency Support for STEM Act – Grant systems for schools and nonprofits.

H.R.270: Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06-D): CHANCE in TECH Act – apprenticeship programs for tech related jobs.

H.R.594: Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13-D): WORKER Act – advances STEM Education for improved training/retention.

H.R.476: Rep. Joe Morrelle (NY-25-R): Increases funding towards research and development to improve the American STEM workforce and education system.

H.R.210: Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03-R): Directs the NSF to fund research into STEM education in rural schools.

H.R.204: Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30-D): Provides for guidance, data collection, and grants for groups historically underrepresented in STEM education at institutions of higher education and at federal science agencies.