Expressing support for increasing the number of Latino students and young professionals entering careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 718
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-04T08:05:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 718) expresses the House of Representatives' support for increasing the participation of Latino students and young professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It highlights the economic and societal benefits of greater Latino involvement in STEM to promote diversity, economic mobility, and U.S. leadership in these areas.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses providing background data and rationale, followed by five resolved statements:
- Supports expanding Latino representation in STEM to foster economic empowerment and sustainability for Latino communities and the broader U.S. economy.
- Acknowledges Latinos' foundational role in the U.S. economy but notes their underrepresentation in STEM, which harms these industries and the national economy.
- Recognizes that diversity and inclusion in STEM improve workforce performance, requiring investments in the Latino community to build talent, reduce reliance on foreign workers, and maintain U.S. STEM leadership.
- Encourages greater federal support for programs that help Latino students pursue STEM education and careers, with a focus on engineering.
- Emphasizes the vital role of Hispanic-serving institutions (colleges and universities primarily serving Latino students) and all higher education institutions in achieving higher Latino participation in STEM.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a statement of congressional intent and support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Could inspire more Latino students to enter STEM fields, leading to higher wages (STEM jobs pay about 65% above the national average) and better economic opportunities, while addressing barriers like limited access to advanced courses, counseling, and financial aid.
- On government agencies: May encourage agencies like the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation to prioritize funding and initiatives for Latino STEM programs, potentially increasing domestic high-skilled workers and reducing dependence on international talent.
- On international relations: Indirectly supports U.S. competitiveness in global STEM innovation by building a diverse domestic workforce, though no direct foreign policy effects are outlined.
- Overall, it promotes awareness and could lead to voluntary policy shifts, such as expanded scholarships or mentorship programs, without mandating action.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Latino students and young professionals: Primary beneficiaries, gaining recognition of barriers (e.g., underrepresentation at 14.8% of STEM workers despite being 18.2% of the total workforce) and calls for support to enter high-growth STEM jobs (projected 10.4% growth through 2033).
- Educational institutions: Especially Hispanic-serving institutions, which are highlighted for their role in STEM preparation; all colleges and universities are encouraged to enhance access to STEM resources.
- STEM industries and employers: Benefit from a more diverse, skilled workforce to meet labor demands.
- Federal government and policymakers: Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Education and the Workforce are involved in referral, potentially influencing future funding and programs.
- Community organizations: Groups like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers are implicitly supported through references to their research on Latino motivations in STEM.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No direct legal changes, but it aligns with constitutional principles of equal protection and opportunity under the 14th Amendment by advocating for inclusion without quotas or mandates. It avoids enforceable requirements, reducing risks of legal challenges.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan interest in STEM workforce development and diversity, potentially building momentum for related bills on education equity. As a resolution introduced by a diverse group of representatives, it signals political support for addressing demographic shifts (Latinos as 65+ million residents, driving 78% of labor force growth post-2008 recession) in a way that enhances national economic security.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (21)
Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for increasing the number of Latino students and young professionals entering careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (4 pages)