WASHINGTON – Today, Committee on House Administration Chairman Candice Miller, R-Mich., issued the following statement on the adoption of regulations for the House Academic Competition (“STEM Competition”):

“Earlier this year, with an overwhelming 411 votes, the House voted to establish an academic competition that promotes greater innovation among students across this country in fields related to science, technology, engineering and math – known as STEM. Today, the Committee advanced this important initiative by adopting the regulations governing the competition, including rules on administration, contestants, judges and resources.

“STEM research and innovation is a major skill set driving today’s global economy. Unfortunately, the U.S. is at risk of falling behind other countries and losing jobs to overseas competitors. As leaders, educators and parents, it is our responsibility to equip today’s youth with the skills they need to succeed – their future and our economy’s future depend on it.

“This competition, which allows Members to conduct annual competitions among students in their district, will encourage greater participation in the STEM fields and help emphasize their importance to our economic success.”

Background

In February 2013, the House adopted the Academic Competition Resolution of 2013 (H. Res. 77), a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Chairman Miller establishing an academic competition to promote innovation among students from across the country in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Modeled after the Congressional Art Competition, it will allow Members to host an annual STEM contest for students in their congressional district. Today, the Committee adopted regulations for the contest, including rules on contestants, judges and use of resources. The rules also establish a process for appointing the competition chair and co-chair to determine the specific rules and criteria for each annual competition.

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