Rep. Schweikert Supports FIRST Act, STEM Outreach

Washington D.C., March 13, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Chairman on the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on the Environment, released a statement today in support of the Frontiers in Innovation, Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) Act, H.R. 4186.  The FIRST Act streamlines federal investments at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by funding research that addresses needs at the national level. Priorities are also given to research that bolsters science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

 “Research and innovation is the gateway to discovery and unlocking the potential of the 21st Century,” said Chairman Schweikert.  “The FIRST Act offers a roadmap to prioritize projects that are of the greatest national benefit and will do the most to further the skills of our next generation.  Enabling relationship building between students, NSF, and out-of-school STEM activities is a way to increase STEM capacity without recreating the wheel.”

  The full bill can be read here.

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Congressman David Schweikert is the Chairman for the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on the Environment and an avid supporter of STEM education. He is hosting the inaugural House ‘STEM’ App Challenge in the 6^th Congressional District this year, inviting students to create an app for a tablet, mobile, or computer device.