Science Competition to be Similar to Annual Congressional Arts Competition
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff proposed today that Congress host a science competition each year, similar to the Annual Congressional Arts Competition, during the debate on the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill on the House Floor.
"The Congressional Arts Competition has been successful for over 20 years - why not extend this success to the field of science?" Rep. Schiff said today. "We need to reward young scientists as we reward young artists and encourage all students to explore the boundaries of scientific discovery. I think a Congressional Science Competition is a great way to invest in science education and inspire scientific ingenuity in students."
Rep. Schiff proposed this idea following a denied attempt to host a science competition in his congressional district this past spring. Official Rules of House of Representatives currently prohibit congressional members from conducting any competitions, with the exception of the annual Congressional Arts Competition.
"We must continue to advance scientific knowledge and scientific explanation as core values of our society," Rep. Schiff said. "We must raise our children's scientific education standards so that they equal or exceed their peers globally. Allowing congressional members the ability to host science competitions in their districts is a good first step towards instilling a love of science in our kids."
Each year, Rep. Schiff hosts a Congressional Science Forum series in conjunction with Caltech to give students the chance to learn about educational and career opportunities in math and science from the personalized view of a scientist. The forums have spanned such subjects as physics, biology, chemistry, and math. Past lecturers have included Dr. Ed Stone, former Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Dr. Lucy Jones, Scientist-in-Charge, U.S. Geological Survey. The most recent lecturer in March 2003 was Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Dr. Ride discussed her experiences in space and her efforts to promote girls' interests in math, science, and technology.
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.