WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) re-introduced her Supporting Technical Experts in Managing (STEM) Diplomacy Act, which breaks down barriers that prevent the State Department from hiring STEM experts, who are uniquely qualified to advance policies on issues like nuclear nonproliferation, climate change and pandemic management/mitigation.

“We are over a year into a global pandemic, and still, the State Department has arcane rules that prevent experts with STEM degrees from applying to and holding civil service jobs,” said Houlahan. “We are actively excluding STEM experts with professional and academic training who offer unique and critical perspectives on issues like nuclear nonproliferation, climate change, and yes, global pandemic response. I wrote the STEM Diplomacy Act to quickly remedy this issue so that smart, competent STEM professionals can serve our country in these mission-critical roles.”

Full text of Rep. Houlahan’s Supporting Technical Experts in Managing (STEM) Diplomacy Act can be found here and below:

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee.

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