Washington D.C. – On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted to pass two science-related bills led by Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA).

Rep. Knight serves on the House Science, Space, & Technology Committee and is the Vice-Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee.

H.R. 4376, the Department of Energy Research Infrastructure Act authorizes infrastructure improvements and upgrades at specified national laboratories. These facilities are focused on researching the properties and applications of advanced photonics and material sciences. The research research is happening throughout California at the national labs in the state and the many university programs that partner with them.

“The facilities that this bill is upgrading are working on some of the most cutting-edge research in the world.” said Rep. Knight “Not only will this help us create a better understanding of the natural world, but has the potential to ignite a generational leap in applicable science.”

H.R. 3397, the Building Blocks of STEM Act, was introduced by Representative Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and co-led by Rep. Knight. This bill would direct the National Science Foundation to place a greater emphasis on improving early-childhood engagement for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields of study. By targeting children ages ten and under, this would create greater interest in STEM in developmental ages.

“This legislation will help Nevada’s students by investing in our children so they can meet the challenges of a changing economy that increasingly relies on highly-skilled labor and technology.” said Rep. Rosen “I will continue to advocate for smart investments in STEM education so we can build a more effective workforce that helps America’s economy stay globally competitive.”

“Research has shown that when you engage kids at a young age, their minds latch on to ideas and they develop lifelong passions in a particular subject” said Rep. Knight “STEM training and education will be the deciding factor in who leads the world economy of the future. This bill will help ensure we continue to improve how we teach these critical subjects so our schools can graduate more students who pursue these high-skill jobs.”

“I’m very pleased both of these bills received wide bipartisan support. American scientific discovery has provided immeasurable benefits to people across the globe. The legislation passed today will reassert America’s role as a world leader in science.”