Expressing support for designation of the third Friday of every March, as "National FIRST Robotics Day".

IV 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 259 Expressing support for designation of the third Friday of every March, as ‘‘National FIRST Robotics Day’’. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MARCH 19, 2021 Mr. FOSTER (for himself and Mr. COHEN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consider- ation of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of the third Friday of every March, as ‘‘National FIRST Robotics Day’’. Whereas FIRST is For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology; Whereas robotics is rapidly proving to be one of the most ef- fective, compelling, and engaging means for teaching and reinforcing fundamental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts as well as inspiring the Nation’s youth to pursue STEM-related careers, thereby helping to create a highly skilled, 21st-century American workforce; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:00 Mar 20, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR259.IH HR259 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 259 IH Whereas there is a strong need to recognize America’s leader- ship in robotics technology, educate the public on robotics technology’s broad potential, growing importance, and fu- ture impact on American society, underscore the need for increased investment in robotics technology research and development, and inspire the Nation’s youth to pursue careers in robotics and other STEM-related fields; Whereas the United States has the largest number of aca- demic and research organizations with dedicated pro- grams focused on the advancement of robotics tech- nology; Whereas aptitude in mathematics, science, and engineering is essential for a knowledge-based society; Whereas the Federal Government must continue to make deep, hands-on STEM experiences a true priority in school districts around the country by unlocking in- creased funding for programming that— (1) builds strong foundations for STEM literacy; (2) increases diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM; and (3) prepares the STEM workforce for the future; Whereas not all STEM jobs of the 21st century require a tra- ditional 4-year degree, so greater pathways toward STEM education must be encouraged; Whereas robotics has matured into an all-encompassing and enabling technology that, as a pillar of 21st-century American innovation, is positioned to fuel a broad array of next generation products and applications, and trans- form our society; Whereas the emerging market for robotics and related tech- nology in various sectors, including health care, national VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:00 Mar 20, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR259.IH HR259 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 259 IH defense, homeland security, energy, manufacturing, logis- tics, transportation, agriculture, education, consumer goods, and others, is expected to grow at a compound an- nual growth rate of nearly 20 percent over the next few years to become a worldwide $27,000,000,000 industry; and Whereas robotics is a critical technology capable in the near term of contributing to the economic recovery by creating new jobs, increasing productivity, improving quality, and increasing worker safety: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) supports the designation of a ‘‘National 2 FIRST Robotics Day’’ and its celebration around 3 the United States; 4 (2) recognizes the continuing importance of the 5 National Science Foundation’s math and science 6 education programs; 7 (3) encourages States and local educational 8 agencies to fund afterschool robotics programs using 9 funds made available by title IV, part A of the Every 10 Student Succeeds Act; and 11 (4) encourages schools and educators to observe 12 the day with appropriate activities that teach stu- 13 dents about robotics and engage them about the 14 study of mathematics and science. 15 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:00 Mar 20, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR259.IH HR259 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS