Ms. Johnson i move to suspend 4372, es and pass h. R. The minority serving institutes tem achievement act, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number directr. 4372, a bill to federal science agencies and the office of science and Technology Policy to undertake activities to improve the quality of undergraduate Stem Education and enhance the Research Capacity at hbcus, t. C. U. s m. S. I. s and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the texas, ms. From johnson, and the gentleman from klahoma, mr. Lucas, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from texas, ms. Johnson. Ms. Johnson thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on 4372, the bill thats under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Johnson mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from texas is recognized. Ms. Johnson i rise in support h. R. 4372, the m. S. I. Want toieving act and i thank representative welch for joining me for introducing this to and for his commitment increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and or stem fields. This bill was developed based the 2019mmendations in ational academies of science report entitled minority serving institutions, americas underutilized resource for strengthening the stem workforce. The demographics are changing and we must address the underrepresentation of minority students . Stem to keep our work force competitive. As stated in the report, students of color will have direct implication on americas Economic Growth and National Security and global prosperity. The time to act is now. Minorityserving institutions have a long record of success in recruiting, retaining and graduating underrepresented students in stem. More is needed to enable the m. S. I. s to realize their potential. The m. S. I. Stem act ensures that jegsal and funding opportunities are more accessible through the m. S. I. It directs the Government Accountability office to compile an inventory of federal science agencies targeted through m. S. I. s and make recommendations what more agencies can do to encourage increased participation and success of the m. S. I. s in these programs. In addition, the legislation authorizes the National Science foundation to support research on the challenges and successes m. S. I. s have had in contributing to the stem work force including approaches to building the Research Competitiveness of m. S. I. s. And the bill directs the office of science and Technology Policy to introduce a governmentwide Strategic Plan and sustained Outreach Program to support Stem Education and research at the m. S. I. s. Ese institutions are not a monolith but are focused on the distinct needs of their students in carrying out activities of this act. Federal agencies should ensure that they are counting for the difficult are versus yits among these institutions and the populations they serve. If we are to continue to prosper as a nation, we must do more to diversify our stem work force. Rtunately, the more than 700 m. S. I. s that enroll 30 of our nations undergraduates know how to solve this problem. The m. S. I. s act will ensure these institutions are equipped with the resources they need to lead the way. I urge my colleagues to support this good bipartisan bill. And i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from texas reserves, the gentleman from oklahoma, mr. Lucas, is recognized. Mr. Lucas i yield myself such time as i may consume. Im proud to cosponsor this egislation led by chairwoman johnson which encourages to the ience, technology and math work force. Inority serving institutions and hispanic and tribal colleges and universities have a success in educating and graduating. I have seen the unique value. For more than 100 years, langston is a historically black college and land grant institution. They have influenced peoples lives beyond the classroom in service to the community in rural and urban oklahoma. This help help schools prepare their students to fill the stem jobs of the 21st century. Since 1990, im thinking 1890, thats the nature of the historic black land grant universities. Since 1990, employment in stem occupations has grown by nearly 80 . Over the next decade with demand continuing to grow and u. S. Universities expected to produce less than onethird of stem graduates, the shortage is to reach 1 million professionals. Minorities are severely underrepresented in stem fields accounting for 11 of the stem work force. Talent from all groups is essential. The Trump Administration has recognized this need by calling for increase in diversity, equality and inclusion in stem programs in the recent fiveyear Strategic Plan. This bill takes steps to meet the administrations call to action by providing for increased transparency, accountability and accessibility of federal Stem EducationResearch Funds or m. S. I. s. Without a Diverse Talent pool of americans without knowledge and skills to prepare for the jobs of the future, the u. S. Will not maintain key sectors, agriculture, energy, health care and defense. I thank the chair woman and i encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oklahoma reserves. The gentlewoman from texas is recognized. Ms. Johnson i reserve. Mr. Lucas i would like to yield three minutes to the the entleman from florida. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Meth altz since 1904, union Cookman University has contributed to a rich and iverse history in my district. 4,000 students proudly call this University Home in floridas 6th district. We are proud of their accomplishments especially in the stem fields. Minorities make up nearly 30 of americas population, but nationwide, as my distinguished colleague from oklahoma and the administration have noted, we are seeing a gap in minority representation in stem fields. Believe it or not, minorities account for 11 of the stem work force and the demand for stem fields is at an alltime high. Over the next decade, the stem shortage is anticipated to reach one million professionals. If we want america to compete and succeed and we must and need to assure our stem work force reflects our diversity. The bill we are considering today m. S. I. Stem achievement ct would increase the capacity and encourage partnerships with industry and federal laboratories. In short, this bill will enhance our Domestic Work force so as to ensure america continues to compete globally. If america wants to lead militarily, economically and critically in space, we must lead in stem. I would be remiss to not also mention the importance of women in stem. As i have said countless times since i have been elected and will continue to say, from my experiences as a veteran and green beer a fighting all over the globe where women thrive in business, Civil Society and politics, extremism doesnt. For that reason, diversity in stem is a National Security issue. And in volusia county, just we are cape canaveral, seeing countless businesses participate in Work Force Development programs like the space coast con sore onium apresence tiesship program. They are making huge strides to advance cor can you lum and Work Force Development. As the republican lead on the m. S. I. Stem achievement act, i thank the chairman and Ranking Member for working with me to impositive participation in stem at these critically important m. S. I. s. For americas continued dominance, i urge my colleagues to support this bill and its passage. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oklahoma reserves. The gentlewoman from texas is recognized. Ms. Johnson i continue toll reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from oklahoma. Mr. Lucas i have no additional speakers and if she is prepared to close, she has the privilege of fine closure, i offer my concluding remarks. I yield myself such time as i might consume. The United States is in a race to remain the world leader in science and technology and only way we will win is utilizing our people. This means developing a diverse stem capable work force at every educational level and from every background. Creating opportunities for students to not only develop stem knowledge but to have handson experience is essential. Research shows that students especially those from underrepresented minority backgrounds are more likely to graduate from science and engineering programs if they have programs to have force content with pierce and enjoy science clubs and other organizations. This bill will support such Stem Education at m. S. I. s. Providing these students with the stills necessary to develop and flourish in the 21st century. These investments will grow our work force, improve our economy and protect our country. I thank chairwoman johnson and representative waltz for their leadership. And i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oklahoma yields back. The gentlewoman from texas is recognized. Ms. Johnson i have no further requests for time and i want to thank all of the members and staff involved in this legislation. I urge its passage, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the 4372. R. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. 2 3 being in the affirmative, the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas seek recognition . Ms. Johnson i move to suspend he rules and pass h. R. 4373, Engineering Biology Research and Development Act of 2019 as amended. The clerk h. R. 4373, a bill to provide for coordinated federal Research Initiative to continue United States leadership in engineering biology. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from texas, ms. Johnson and the gentleman from oklahoma, mr. Lucas, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from, ms. Johnson from texas. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to nclude extraneous materials on h. R. 4373, the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Johnson mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consu consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Johnson i rise today in 4373, the h. R. Engineering Biology Research and Development Act of 2019. Thank Ranking Member lucas for joining me in introducing this legislation. The term engineering biology means the application of design, principles, and practices to biological advance fundamental understanding of complex natural enable novel functions and capabilities. Research is iology used in microbes and plants to resilient to Climate Change, reduce our and dency on fossil fuels, make more effective drugs to treat human diseases. Researchers are even for eering microbe s environmental microbes for cleanup. Ntal engineering biology is one of our greatest tools. 21st century the will be driven by a bioeconomy. Other countries are making significant investments in research andiology development. We must recognize that u. S. About hip is not just growing our economy and ensuring that our nation benefits from of engineering biology, its also about leading responsibly. As china accelerates its own tools of s and the engineering biology are increasingly cheap and accessible to individuals everywhere, we must also be indful of the security implications. The potential for misuse of this technology to cause harm makes more urgent our need to invest engineering in Biology Research today. Authorizing federal Engineering Biology Research and Development Initiative, this also establish a framework for greater coordination of federal engineering n biology, require a National Strategy for those investments, publicprivate partnerships, focus on the of the n and trainings next jgeneration of Engineering Biology Researchers, and address any potential security and issues associated with Engineering Biology Research. Time for the united tates to recognize the significance of this Emergent Research area of our economic and National Security. Lack disappointed by the of such recognition of this dministrations last budget request, but hopeful to see the convening g with the of a recent white house summit on the bieconomy. Bioeconomy. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with the ensure that n to the United States would not lose ts leadership position in this area. H. R. 4373 is an important bill, nd i urge my colleagues to support it, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the from texas reserves. The gentleman from oklahoma is recognized. Mr. Lucas mr. Lucas mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Lucas i rise in support of 4373, the Engineering Biology Research and Development Act of 2019. Proud to join chairwoman johnson as well as representatives jim lofgren iner and zoe introducing this bill. In u. S. Was a key driver biological innovation in the 20th century, but theres global competition. Other countries recognize the benefit of biotechnology and are striving to capture its potential through new investments and friendly regulations. 4373 promotes a national around strategy engineering biology to ensure the u. S. Remains the global biology and biotechnology. Techniques like risper and gene sequencing are driving engineering, manufacturing. Keep pace that supports innovation and creates a arketplace for new ideas and projects. While setting the safety and ethical standards for the world follow. H. R. 4373 establishes a National Research andiology Development Initiative to provide Interagency Research a rdination and develop threeyear Strategic Plan. Also authorizes research at the agencies under he Science Committees jurisdictions including the National Science foundation, the National Institute of standards technology, and the department of energy. Last month, the white house the ned a summit with nations foremost bioeconomy leaders from industry, academia, and government to discuss how to maintain americas leadership in and gy for our economic National Security. I hope that summit, along with this legislation, will build a serious national publicprivate effort to advance protect the u. S. Bioeconomy. I urge my colleagues to support bill, and ipartisan would note to the chairwoman, i and no additional speakers, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance time. The gentlewoman from texas is recognized. Ms. Johnson i have no requests for time and if the gentleman is ready to close mr. Lucas absolutely. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from texas reserves. The gentleman from oklahoma is recognized. Mr. Lucas mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consu consume. In both the Agriculture Committee and the science ommittee, weve discussed Biotechnology Research and regulation for years. But i cant remember a more or challenging time for the field than today. Set a National Agenda to advance innovation and help us meet those challenges. Appreciate the chairwoman and her staff for working with us stakeholder gy community to produce a good bipartisan bill. To support leagues this bill, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the oklahoma yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from texas is recognized. Ms. Johnson thank you, mr. Speaker. Wish to express my appreciation for mr. Mr. Lucas, ms. Myself. And i have no further requests for time. I would simply urge the passage this bill, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from texas yields. The question is will the house and pass the les bill h. R. 4373, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. Chair, 2 3ion of the having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the