FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2002

LARSON INITIATIVES PASS THE HOUSE
Bill Includes 'Tech Talent' Provisions; Doubles NSF Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Earlier this week the House of Representatives passed the House-Senate compromise version of the "National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002," H.R. 4664, which will double the National Science Foundation's (NSF) budget in five years and authorizes provisions of the "Tech Talent," education funding bill, which was originally sponsored by Congressman John B. Larson and Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY). Larson has supported increasing the NSF's budget since arriving in Congress.

The Tech Talent bill, which was originally passed by the House in July, is designed to improve undergraduate education in the areas of math, science and technology to strengthen the U.S. workforce in these fields.

Larson stated: "I am thrilled that a compromise was reached to allow for this critical piece of legislation to be passed. The bill addresses a growing problem in our nation's workforce: fewer and fewer Americans are seeking degrees in the scientific and technical fields as demand grows and more jobs go unfilled.

"Our strength and leadership in the world is based on the might of our defense, strength of our economy, and the quality of our education system. We must create a pipeline of technologically skilled individuals to serve as the backbone for this workforce. This legislation is an extremely timely and useful component in this effort. It will provide colleges and universities with incentives to provide increased opportunities for students interested in the areas of math, science and engineering as well as through incentives aimed at increasing their recruiting efforts and creating dynamic opportunities for interested students," said Larson.

According to the House Science Committee, the bill additionally authorizes a Math and Science Education Partnership Program based on legislation to improve science and math education in elementary and secondary schools. It also authorizes the training of "master teachers" and the strengthens oversight capabilities of the National Science Board.

The bill was also approved by the Senate last week and now awaits the President's signature.

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