WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Jim Baird (R-IN) reintroduced the Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act, a bipartisan bill to help America’s students compete globally in math and science. This legislation would allow the National Science Foundation to support modernized math curriculum and improve K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

“As I have traveled the world, I have seen how China, India, and our other global competitors are making dramatic investments in education, especially in math and science. We must act quickly to ensure America’s students are not left behind in the global economy,” said Houlahan. “Giving the National Science Foundation the authority to invest in modernized STEM education is an important step toward ensuring our students can remain the best in the world and leading the change of our future.”

“The United States’ ability to create cutting-edge technologies has been vital to defeating our adversaries,” said Baird. “However, China has made huge investments in STEM to try to out-compete the U.S. As a PhD scientist, I know the invaluable impact STEM education has on American innovation and our national security. If we want to beat China, we must have a well-equipped workforce and a robust supply of scientists. That starts with strengthening STEM education in K-12 schools. I am proud to work with Representative Houlahan on this important bill to improve STEM education and better equip our students to tackle the challenges of our modern world and defeat the Chinese Communist Party.”

The Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act passed the House in both 117th and 118th Congresses and would direct the National Science Foundation to provide competitive grants focused on modernizing mathematics in STEM education through mathematical and statistical modeling using funding currently provided to the Foundation. The bill would also direct the National Academies to conduct a study on modernizing the education of these subjects.

The legislation has been supported by The American Statistical Association (ASA), The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), The Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP), The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC), the New Hampshire Learning Initiative (NHLI), the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Center for Innovation in Education (C!E) and the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and is also a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

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