Statement of Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte in Support of the Academic Competition Resolution

Washington, D.C.: Today House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of the “Academic Competition Resolution of 2013”:

Chairman Goodlatte: I rise in support of the “Academic Competition Resolution of 2013.”  This resolution establishes an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) which shall be held each year among students in each Congressional district and allows the Committee on House Administration to prescribe the regulations that will govern this competition. 

This resolution will allow the Congressional Internet Caucus the ability to create the first “Congressional App Challenge.”  Modeled after the Congressional Art Competition, the Congressional App Challenge promotes STEM learning and innovation by recognizing and incentivizing America’s young programming talent. 

In the seventeen years since the formation of the Congressional Internet Caucus, technology policy issues ranging from cyber-security and intellectual property have gained more prominence with each passing Congress.  This challenge allows Members to experience the technology, innovation and entrepreneurship that take place on a daily basis in their own districts.  This firsthand knowledge will be able to serve as a resource to Members as they consider legislation dealing with technology issues.

This competition will motivate our young people to further pursue programming and other technology related educational opportunities.  It will also enable them to showcase their programming skills on a national stage while at the same time promoting the value of STEM education and careers.

I want to thank The Chair of the Committee on House Administration, Candice Miller and Ranking Member Brady for bringing this Resolution to the floor and I look forward to working with them to craft regulations that will make the Congressional App Contest a huge success to both Members and our constituents.  I also look forward to working with my Congressional Internet Caucus co-chair, the Gentlewoman from California, Mrs. Eshoo, in bringing this competition to fruition.