Frank Lucas

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My colleagues have done a great job today of explaining all the many reasons we need to pass the National Science Foundation for the Future Act to keep America globally competitive. I thank them for their support of this legislation. I also want to thank my staff for all the hard work they have done on this bill. America's scientific and technological competitiveness has been my highest priority as ranking member of the Science Committee. My staff has worked long and hard to create a smart, strategic approach to doubling our investments in research and development, and I appreciate all they have done. I also want to thank Chairwoman Johnson's staff for working so closely with us to ensure that we have a bipartisan plan to invest in America's science and technology leadership. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the NSF for the Future Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 3593, the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act. This legislation, along with H.R. 2225, the NSF for the Future Act is a comprehensive and strategic approach for investing in American research and development. For decades, America has been the global leader in science and technology development. That success is no accident. It is the result of two things: A cultural commitment to innovation and exploration, and a sustained investment in basic research. This is what makes us uniquely successful. The Federal Government funds high-risk, high-reward basic research that expands our fundamental knowledge of science and technology. This research, which is too costly for the marketplace to fund, produces discoveries that can then be commercialized through private industry. Our system maximizes taxpayer investment and takes advantage of strong public-private partnerships to keep America at the cutting edge of technological progress. Unfortunately, our adversaries in China are investing more than us in R&D in an attempt to take over the lead in science and technology. The way to stay ahead of China isn't adopting their method of a top- down, government-mandated, applied research agenda. It is to reinvest in the basic research, infrastructure, and STEM workers that have always driven American progress. H.R. 3593 does just that. It is the first comprehensive authorization of the Office of Science, which is our Nation's largest Federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences. The DOE Science for the Future Act invests $50 billion over 5 years in the Office of Science and the national labs, national scientific user facilities, and the thousands of researchers its supports. The DOE Science for the Future Act is an investment in our technological and clean energy future. It funds research into materials, chemical, biological, and environmental sciences, as well as fusion energy, advanced computing capacities, and cutting edge technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum sciences. We already know that investments in basic research pay large dividends. For example, basic research conducted in our national labs gave us improved hydraulic fracturing technology and allowed us to produce more clean natural gas. This reduced emissions, lowered energy costs for Americans, and helped us become a net total energy exporter for the first time in decades. That is why everyone who cares about clean energy must care about the research supported by H.R. 3593. Investing in high-risk, early-stage research into cutting edge technologies is the only way to ensure that America stays at the head of the clean energy economy. Another important provision in the DOE Science for the Future Act is the creation of a crosscutting Emerging Infectious Disease Research Initiative to build on DOE's work to better model, understand, and fight infectious diseases. As they have shown time and again during the COVID-19 pandemic, our national labs have an important role to play in supporting public health. This legislation gives them the resources they need to continue this work. H.R. 3593 also funds much-needed infrastructure updates for our national labs and user facilities. Our ability to conduct world-leading science depends on having access to world-leading equipment and facilities. It also requires having skilled STEM professionals to conduct that research. Our bill includes workforce development and education provisions so that we have a thriving STEM pipeline to fill the technological jobs of the future. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3593 is a forward-looking bill that is badly needed right now to drive American progress and to keep us globally competitive. As with the NSF for the Future Act, this legislation was drafted with extensive input in a bipartisan fashion, and the result is a strategic and responsible investment in the next generation of breakthrough energy technologies. I thank my friend Chairwoman Johnson for all her work with me on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to pass this now. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, America's scientific and technological leadership is being threatened by the Chinese Communist Party, and we must act urgently to reinvest in our own research and development enterprise. H.R. 3593 redoubles our commitment to the basic research conducted by the Department of Energy's Office of Science and our national laboratories. Together with the NSF for the Future Act, it is a comprehensive and sustainable approach to American competitiveness. Mr. Speaker, I thank my staff for everything they have done to help draft this important legislation. I thank my friend, Chairwoman Johnson, and her staff for working with us to include Republican priorities and ensure that this is a truly bipartisan bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to recognize Melissa F. James, who is retiring from the House of Representatives after 26 years of exemplary service. Upon graduation from Oklahoma State University in 1994, Melissa relocated to Washington, D.C., to begin her career with the Honorable Tom Coburn, newly elected from her hometown in Oklahoma. Melissa's hard work, problem-solving skills, and cando attitude quickly made her a valued member of Congressman Coburn's staff. After starting as a staff assistant, Melissa eventually was promoted to be Congressman Coburn's scheduler, a position she held until Mr. Coburn retired from the House in 2001. Melissa remained in the House, next serving for 10 years as the scheduler and office manager to Congressman Todd Tiahrt of Kansas. In 2011, after Mr. Tiahrt's departure from Congress, Melissa joined the office of Congressman Randy Neugebauer of Texas. In her time with Mr. Neugebauer, Melissa frequently displayed a deft touch with difficult questions from both other staff and constituents. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a finer office representative than Melissa, who embodies the true spirit of public service. Melissa proved herself to be an irreplaceable member of every team on which she served, as demonstrated by the fact that she never left a Member's staff until the Member left the House. After Congressman Neugebauer's retirement from the House in 2017, Melissa joined the Office of General Counsel (OGC) as its administrative director. Melissa took on new tasks and responsibilities with aplomb and immediately became an indispensable part of the OGC team. It would be impossible to list all of her contributions, but among them, she has taken a lead role with regard to all aspects of office management and administration, including with the office budget and computer systems. During her time with OGC, Melissa demonstrated herself to be dedicated to serving Members, Officers, and employees of the House, remarkably trustworthy and utterly fearless when faced with novel, sensitive, and difficult matters. Melissa's unwavering resolve and commitment to the House and OGC was always evident, as was her ability to find a solution to seemingly any problem. Beyond her incredible dedication to her work, Melissa has been a kind and thoughtful coworker to all, treating everyone from the Members to the mail-carriers with the utmost respect and kindness. As scores of current and former colleagues can attest, Melissa is a true joy to work with, and is someone who makes the workday better for everyone with whom she comes into contact. It is no exaggeration to say that she has become family to many over her years on the Hill. Melissa is always eager to share her passion and contagious enthusiasm for golf--and really any sport in which an alum of her cherished OSU Cowboys (Go Pokes) plays--so much so that anyone who knows her soon becomes a fan as well. Melissa's cheerful and welcoming presence on the Hill will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her. It will be hard to imagine the House without Melissa. Every day for the past 26 years, Melissa has served the House with unmatched dedication and tenacity. Regardless of the task before her, Melissa will always find a way to accomplish it--a quality that will continue to serve her well in her future endeavors. On behalf of the Office of General Counsel and the entire House community, I thank Melissa for her decades of service and wish for her a joyous and relaxing retirement among her many friends and family in Oklahoma.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 144, the Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act, the first bipartisan bill Chairwoman Johnson and I introduced in the 117th Congress. Over the past year, COVID-19 has caused substantial disruptions across this country, including in the U.S. research enterprise. Most research and development work stopped or was dramatically limited to provide for safe social distancing, and it is estimated we lost between 20 and as much as 40 percent of our research output. In addition to this loss of research, we are facing the loss of our researchers. Graduate students and post-docs are particularly vulnerable to research disruptions. With their research on pause, these young scientists are finding it difficult to complete their degree requirements. Those who have finished their degrees are having trouble finding work. Much of academia has implemented hiring freezes, and it is estimated that faculty openings in the sciences have decreased by more than 70 percent compared to 2019. At the same time, the pace of innovation is accelerating globally, and with it, the competition for scientific and technical talent. The Chinese Communist Party has repeatedly stated it is determined to overtake the U.S. in critical technologies like AI, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. These technologies will require new levels of scientific skills and understanding, and this new generation of scientists will play a critical role in how they are developed. Now more than ever, the innovation capacity of the U.S. and our prosperity and security depend on an effective and an innovative STEM workforce to compete with our adversaries. If we do not provide the resources to support these young researchers, we will be limiting our ability to support new and innovative discoveries for years to come. Unfortunately, of the nearly $6 trillion in COVID research spending that Congress has passed, only $600 million was allocated to helping the research industry recover. That is only 1 percent for a sector of our economy that drives as much as 85 percent of the long-term growth. We have relied on American science and scientists to combat COVID and we are not giving them the funding they need to resume the work that has been stopped by the pandemic and keep our future innovators in the system. Our STEM pipeline and future competitors could be irreparably damaged if we don't act quickly. Mr. Speaker, that is why I am so proud to cosponsor this legislation. It will establish a pilot program at the National Science Foundation to provide 2-year fellowships to young researchers whose career paths have been disrupted by the pandemic. The bill will support 3,200 fellowships over 4 years. These fellowships will allow talented young scientists and engineers to carry out independent research at an institution of higher education of their choosing. This bill provides targeted and temporary relief to support early- career scientists, keeping them in the STEM pipeline while the research enterprise recovers. By supporting these young researchers, we are investing in America's research and technology leadership. This legislation has been endorsed by over 30 organizations, and has nearly as many cosponsors. It was favorably reported out of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on a bipartisan basis, and I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank Chairwoman Johnson and her staff for working with me on this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer).

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, America's scientific progress depends on a large pool of talented STEM professionals. Our early-career researchers are a critical link in the chain of developing the next generation of scientists. Unfortunately, in the STEM community, these young scientists have been disproportionately affected by COVID-related lab closures, reduced funding, and hiring freezes. We risk losing these valuable scientists if we do nothing. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join Chairwoman Johnson in championing the Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act to support this up-and-coming generation of scientists and preserve America's research and technological leadership. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Chairwoman Johnson and her staff for working in a bipartisan and collaborative way on this legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2533, the National Estuaries and Acidification Research Act of 2021, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressman Bill Posey, my esteemed colleague on the Science Committee. This legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate a study with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to examine the effects of ocean acidification on estuary environments, and to submit that report to Congress within 2 years. Specifically, this study will be led by the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies and provide Congress a better understanding of the biological and economic impacts of ocean acidification on inland marine environments. Estuaries are economically important water ecosystems that occur when inland rivers meet oceans. This mix of fresh and salt waters is a delicate balance of nature that possesses unique biological characteristics. To date, there have been few studies on the effects ocean acidification has on these ecosystems. We can't manage and mitigate the effects of something we don't fully understand. That is why H.R. 2533 is still needed today to bridge our knowledge gaps by utilizing the best expertise and resources to gain a better understanding of this important issue. While Oklahoma is a landlocked State without estuaries, I recognize the economic and environmental effects acidification has on all of our Nation's waterways and other natural treasures. The waters of Oklahoma's rivers, streams, and tributaries feed into larger systems and eventually make it to the ocean. At the end of the day, being a conservationist doesn't stop at geographic barriers. It is a nationwide effort. Mr. Speaker, this important word-for-word bill passed the House last Congress with the same bipartisan support it has here today. Unfortunately, it didn't move further in the Senate. So, 1 year later, we still need to improve our knowledge of coastal acidification and estuaries. I thank Mr. Posey for leading this important legislation. I know his constituents and the Indian River Lagoon community appreciate his efforts to protect their surrounding environment. I also thank my Science Committee colleague across the aisle, Ms. Bonamici, for leading the effort on the majority side. Mr. Speaker, as the saying goes, knowledge is power. This simple bipartisan bill advances our knowledge and gives us the power to quantify the effects estuary communities face when faced with coastal acidification. The National Academies are a tremendous resource. Their studies are thorough, informative, and world class. I look forward to seeing the final product directed by this bill. By preserving our Nation's estuaries, we are saving businesses from closing, ecosystems from dying, and people from getting sick. I, again, thank Representative Bill Posey and the entire Congressional Estuary Caucus for leading on this important topic. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), one of the most outstanding individuals in this body; the dean of the House Republican Conference; the dean of the United States House; but, most importantly, and fortunately for his constituents, the dean of the Alaska congressional delegation.

Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1447, the COAST Research Act of 2021. This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize and modernize the Federal Government's ocean acidification research and monitoring programs. Ocean acidification is the result of a gradual decrease in pH in the ocean chemistry. Even a small shift in pH can have a serious effect on marine ecosystems, including shellfish habitat, coral reefs, and fisheries habitat. Congress recognized the need for a better understanding of the causes and effects of ocean acidification and passed the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act in 2009. That legislation created a framework for science agencies such as NOAA and the National Science Foundation to dedicate resources to studying the phenomenon. As a result, we made significant advancements in understanding ocean acidification over the last decade. H.R. 1447 reauthorizes the funding for NOAA and NSF efforts through the fiscal year 2026, which lapsed in fiscal year 2012. It also modernizes their activities by updating the strategic plan governing the Federal Government's research efforts and strengthening cooperation among scientific agencies. Additionally, the COAST Research Act designates NOAA as the lead agency for coordinating the Federal response to ocean and coastal acidification. This is an important step to streamline and organize efforts across the government. Finally, this bill ensures that the voices of stakeholders and industry from multiple regions are heard through a newly established advisory board. This input is critical to effectively integrate the many research, monitoring, and adaptation strategies for coastal acidification. This bill is the result of years of work in building a consensus among stakeholders, including ocean conservation groups, sportsmen, and coastal communities about how best to address this problem moving forward. Coastal communities and businesses will greatly benefit from this legislation and how better knowledge of ocean acidification improves our ability to respond to its effects. I thank Ms. Bonamici for introducing and leading this bill along with her House Oceans Caucus vice chair, Congressman Don Young, along with the many bipartisan cosponsors. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I again rise to support H.R. 1447, the COAST Research Act of 2021. It is necessary, bipartisan legislation with support from Members representing a diverse range of districts. As I previously mentioned, significant progress toward our understanding the socioeconomic effects of ocean and coastal acidification has been made in the last decade. But to continue that progress, we need to update our priorities and our strategies. That is what this bill does. That is what will keep our communities, our businesses, and our entire economy at the forefront of managing and mitigating the environmental challenges we face. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 210, the Rural STEM Education Research Act, a bill that passed this House with resounding bipartisan support in the 116th Congress, and I hope it will do so again today. I am pleased to be leading this important bill, and I thank Chairwoman Johnson for her support. Now more than ever, America's prosperity and security depend on an effective and inclusive science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science workforce, or STEM. Nationally, 80 percent of the fastest-growing occupations depend upon mastery of STEM skills, and the number of STEM jobs is growing three times faster than non-STEM jobs. Over the next decade, the STEM shortage is anticipated to reach 1 million positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To succeed in this job market, our students need to be equipped with solid skills in science and engineering. Meeting this demand starts in the classroom. Over 9 million students in the United States, nearly 20 percent of the total K-12 population, attend rural schools. In Oklahoma, that number is even higher; one-third of our students attend rural schools. These students face a number of barriers to accessing high-quality STEM learning, including a shortage of trained science and math teachers, a lack of access to advanced STEM courses, and few local university and industry partners. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen further proof that rural students are at a disadvantage, given the unreliability or nonexistent broadband access many struggle with while distance learning. The Rural STEM Education Research Act supports research and development activities to improve our understanding of the challenges rural communities are facing, and it takes steps to address those challenges in providing and sustaining quality STEM education programs. H.R. 210 helps develop better practices for accessing and using computer-based and online STEM education courses. It will help schools combine online STEM education with hands-on training and apprenticeships to give students both theoretical and practical understanding of math and science skills. The bill will also take steps to address one of the key obstacles to rural STEM education, a lack of broadband access. Of the 21 million Americans who lack access to broadband, the majority live in rural areas. With the increase in online learning, we need to prioritize connectivity for all students. This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a prize competition to stimulate innovations in technologies to deploy broadband connectivity to underserved rural communities. It also establishes a working group to set key research priorities for improving broadband access so rural communities can enjoy the same connectedness as the rest of the country. This bill includes a number of provisions to help provide rural educators with the tools they need to be successful, both in the classroom and online. It supports opportunities for rural educators to enhance their own STEM education, such as training in computer science or research opportunities at Federal labs and universities. These experiences will provide rural educators with high-quality STEM skills they can take back to the classrooms and pass on to their students. Lastly, the major focus of this bill is broadening the participation of rural students in STEM. One way we can do this is by emphasizing place-based learning, which gives students direct access to the STEM knowledge present in their communities and local environment. Place-based learning connects students to the science that is right outside their doors, whether it is studying animal science with FFA, learning about local ecosystems out on the prairies and in forests, or developing the technological skills required to operate increasingly complex and computerized farm equipment. That direct experience engages students and helps them understand that STEM skills matter to everyone, not just scientists in a white lab coat. Taken together, the measures in this bill will make great strides to improve rural STEM education. I believe rural areas represent one of the greatest, yet most underutilized, opportunities for talented students to enhance the United States' future STEM workforce. I am pleased that this bill has been endorsed by a number of stakeholder groups: STEM Education Coalition, Afterschool Alliance, Battelle and STEM-X, National Science Teaching Association, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Chemical Society, American Geophysical Union, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Association of American Universities, Microsoft, Girl Scouts of the USA, National FFA Organization, and Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. I again thank Chairwoman Johnson and her staff for working with me on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to better STEM education for America's rural students, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer).

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra).

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I, once again, thank Chairwoman Johnson for her support of this legislation. Whether you live in Dallas, Texas, or Cheyenne, Oklahoma, every student should have the opportunity to gain STEM skills and to compete for the jobs of the future. The Rural STEM Education Research Act gives teachers better tools to teach science and math, leverages local resources to engage students in key subjects, and addresses the lack of broadband access in rural communities. This important legislation passed the House with strong bipartisan support last Congress. I hope it will do so again today. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill today, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 204, the STEM Opportunities Act of 2021. As a co-sponsor of this legislation with Chairwoman Johnson, I am pleased the House is taking it up for consideration today. H.R. 204 continues the Science Committee's long history of bipartisan support for STEM education. The United States is in a race to remain the world's leader in science and technology. The only way we will win is by utilizing America's most valuable resource: Our people. That means developing a diverse STEM-capable workforce at every education level and from every background. The U.S. invests over $1 billion a year in Federal STEM education programs. But we have not made enough progress in growing a STEM- capable workforce. We need to address that. That is why one of the key provisions of H.R. 204 is a requirement for more comprehensive data collection and analysis on the students, researchers, and faculty receiving Federal science grants. This data will help us identify and reduce the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from entering and advancing in STEM. It will also help us measure the success of Federal STEM programs to better direct our investments. The bill also includes a provision directing the NSF to support computer science education through the existing Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. Access to computer science resources and developing computer skills is critical in today's economy. The STEM employment in the United States continues to grow faster than any other job category. Employers in all sectors, including agriculture, energy, healthcare, and defense are desperate for workers with STEM skills. In order to meet this demand, we must develop talent across all possible groups. Our bill takes important steps to ensure that we are fully engaging America's entire talent pool and maintaining our global leadership in science and technology. H.R. 204 overwhelmingly passed the House last Congress, and I look forward to getting the bill across the finish line this year. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Chairwoman Johnson and her staff for working in a bipartisan fashion on this legislation and for incorporating our feedback and ideas. I look forward to continuing to work with her to advance STEM education efforts--this Congress--that will support, encourage, and develop the next generation of STEM workers. Maintaining our global leadership in science and technology is critical to our economic and national security. We will not be able to lead without a STEM-capable workforce for the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 204, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation led by Chairwoman Johnson and Research and Technology Ranking Member Michael Waltz, which continues the Science Committee's bipartisan work to support, encourage, and develop the next generation of America's Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science workforce. Minority-serving institutions, such as historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal colleges and universities have a long record of success in recruiting, retaining, and graduating underrepresented students in the STEM fields. In my own district, I have seen the unique value of minority-serving institutions. For more than 100 years, Langston University, a historically Black college and land-grant institution, has educated students of all backgrounds. They have influenced people's lives beyond the classroom in service to the community in both rural and urban Oklahoma. This legislation will help schools like Langston prepare their students to fill the STEM jobs of the 21st century. Since 1990, employment in STEM occupations has grown by nearly 80 percent. Over the next decade, with demand continuing to grow and U.S. universities expecting to produce less than one-third of the STEM graduates needed, the STEM shortage is anticipated to reach 1 million professionals. At the same time, minorities are severely underrepresented in STEM fields, only accounting for 11 percent of the STEM workforce. To meet this growing demand, talent from all groups is essential. This bill we are considering today takes up this call to action by providing for increased transparency, accountability, and accessibility of Federal STEM education and research funding. Without a diverse talent pool of Americans with strong STEM knowledge and skills prepared for the jobs of the future, the U.S. will not be able to maintain the innovation that supports key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, energy, healthcare, and defense. Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Waltz for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz), the ranking member on the Research and Technology Subcommittee, and one of our great activists on this subject matter.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, the United States is in a race to remain the world leader in science and technology. The only way we will win this is by utilizing America's most valuable resource: Our people. That means developing a diverse STEM-capable workforce at every education level and from every background. Creating opportunities for students to not only develop STEM knowledge, but to also have hands-on 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 opportunities to engage in STEM course content with peers, participate in undergraduate research, and join science clubs and organizations. This bill will support such STEM education and training activities in MSIs, providing these students with the skills necessary to compete and flourish in the 21st century. These investments will help grow our workforce, improve our economy, and protect our country. I, again, would like to thank Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Waltz for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2695, the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act. I am proud to say that this bill has a foundation of years of investigation, analysis, and recommendations to the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Curbing sexual misconduct in science is a priority that Chairwoman Johnson and I share. Engaging more women in STEM studies and careers is essential to American competitiveness. Women make up over half the workforce, but account for less than 25 percent of America's STEM workforce. Unfortunately, too many women have been driven out of STEM careers due to a culture of harassment and abuse. H.R. 2695 takes the first steps to address this problem. The bill directs NSF to expand research efforts to better understand the causes and consequences of sexual harassment affecting individuals in the scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematical workforces. Additionally, it directs NSF to examine policies to reduce the prevalence and negative impact of such harassment. The bill also supports the adoption of uniform guidance across the Federal science agencies to combat sexual harassment involving grant personnel. There is an established legal process in place within higher education and in the workforce for handling claims of sexual harassment. I cannot stress this enough: this bill does not alter that process. What this bill does do is create a uniform policy requiring universities and research institutions to report to Federal science agencies when an administrative action is taken that impacts the ability of a researcher to carry out a grant. Pervasive sexual harassment in the scientific community discourages women from critical work and good-paying jobs and hurts American competitiveness. It is unacceptable for taxpayer dollars to fund researchers who are guilty of harassing students or colleagues. I want to thank the stakeholders, especially the university community, for working with committee staff to improve this legislation. I believe the revised bill strikes the right balance between protecting due process and privacy, while also making sure that Federal science agencies can act if a Federal research grant or the personnel supporting that grant is impacted. Mr. Speaker, in closing, H.R. 2695 takes the first steps towards addressing sexual harassment in STEM fields, which is driving women out of STEM careers and damaging U.S. competitiveness. While some progress has been made since the Science, Space, and Technology Committee first started investigating the issue almost 4 years ago, there is still much more work to be done. This legislation sends a strong message to the scientific community that misconduct will not be tolerated, and it sends a message to women who are in STEM studies and careers that we support them. This bill passed the House last Congress, and I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate and stakeholders to advance this legislation into law this year. I again want to thank Chairwoman Johnson and her staff for working in a bipartisan and collaborative way on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1. As the ranking member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am particularly concerned that H.R. 1 would adversely impact the work done by the National Institute of Standards and Technology on election security. NIST is responsible for conducting research on voting technologies, developing standards and best practices that help ensure the security of voting systems, and providing technical guidance to the Election Assistance Commission. In short, NIST's work is critical to helping States and localities conduct safe, secure, and accessible elections. So why doesn't this bill include any of the technical feedback provided by NIST last year? I am deeply concerned that we are limiting NIST's ability to do their job. This is just one example of how this rushed attempt to score political points has given precedence over putting forth meaningful legislation. This legislation would do more harm than good. I urge my colleagues to reject the bill.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. It is an honor to be here. Discussing my Agriculture Committee chairman and my colleague for 2\1/2\ years, Bob Smith, is truly an honor. When I was sworn in, in a special election and I first surveyed this body, one of the faces I recognized was this huge figure of a man standing at the back brass rail. I can still almost see Bob right over there surveying the House floor and watching the process. Bob was one of those folks who had a quiet, calm demeanor. He was a wonderful mentor to me in that first 6 months, then he went home to the ranch for 2 years, and then we begged him to come back and lead the Agriculture Committee for the next 2 years. Bob was a wonderful mentor to me. He was a wonderful mentor to the underclassmen. The first times that I went with the committee on trips to understand agriculture around the world was with Bob, and he had a diplomat's style and skill. He was firm. As Congressman Walden remembered, he wouldn't take anything from anyone. He had a way about him. He gained your trust and he gained your confidence. It is hard to believe that he is not with us anymore. But Bob was one of those folks whose personality, his heart, and his intellect were just as big and broad as those shoulders were. I consider myself fortunate for having served with him. I know the family will miss him with intensity forever. But, Mr. Speaker, 89 years is a good, long life. I can promise you in the time I served with him here, he lived it to the fullest.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, last week when the House considered the massive Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, I expressed my disappointment with the partisan policies in the bill, with the rushed and irresponsible process of writing it, and, most of all, with the sheer number of missed bipartisan legislative opportunities it represents. This week, I am glad to see that my friends across the aisle have taken heed of those words. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has one of the best track records in Congress for passing productive, bipartisan legislation, and I am pleased to see us upholding that tradition once again. H.R. 5760, the Grid Security Research and Development Act is a truly bipartisan Committee on Science, Space, and Technology product. It is sponsored by vice-chairman Ami Bera and Energy subcommittee Ranking Member Randy Weber. It has gone through regular order, and is the result of thoughtful consideration, careful analysis, and substantial debate. I support its passage today. Currently, the U.S. energy sector and its aging electrical grid faces many critical challenges, like higher demand, vulnerability to cyberattacks, and increased integration of new energy sources. It is our job in Congress to set the priorities to meet these challenges and to focus our limited Federal funds where we can see the best return on investment. To deliver effective solutions, we must take the long-term and big- picture approach. We must support early-stage research that will spur innovation over a broad range of energy applications and provide for R&D to mobilize and defend our critical energy infrastructure. The bipartisan Grid Security Research and Development Act will strengthen our Nation's electric grid against rapidly changing technological challenges. It authorizes the Department of Energy's vital cybersecurity and emergency response R&D activities and directs DOE to work with relevant Federal agencies to develop cybersecurity best practices. Through the committee markup process, we were able to improve this legislation by adding key research infrastructure provisions from my legislation, H.R. 5685, the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act. This provision requires the Secretary to carry out a program of research, development, and a demonstration of technologies and tools to help ensure the resilience and security of critical integrated grid infrastructures. It also requires the Secretary to establish and operate a critical infrastructure test facility that allows for both physical and cyber performance testing to be conducted on large-scale infrastructure systems. This test facility will amplify and accelerate the high- priority research and development activities authorized in the original text and maximize the return on investment of taxpayers' dollars. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my good friends across the aisle for working with us to come to agreement on this provision and on this bill. I am glad to see we can come together to focus on our shared interest in improving U.S. national security and energy resilience for the next generation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.