National STEM Week Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1070
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-03: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 1070 – National STEM Week Act
Purpose
This legislation establishes an annual National STEM Week to promote American innovation and improve access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for students in rural, urban, and underserved communities. It aims to highlight STEM careers, encourage family involvement, and build partnerships between schools and industry.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 101 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621) to require the relevant committee to designate one week each year as National STEM Week.
- Outlines purposes including showcasing STEM education in schools, highlighting career paths, promoting family STEM activities at home, and supporting local STEM initiatives.
- Requires the committee to carry out activities such as encouraging school participation, family engagement, and industry involvement through mentorship, site visits, guest lectures, and resource support.
- Mandates annual reporting on nationwide participation, impact on education gaps, and recommendations for improvement.
- Includes definitions for terms like educational institutions, industry partners, and STEM.
- Limits the authority to designate the week and conduct activities to five years after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill adds new duties to an existing committee under the 2010 America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, specifically requiring annual designation of National STEM Week and expanded reporting requirements. It introduces a time-limited program (expiring after five years) that was not previously part of the law.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The designated committee would gain new responsibilities for coordination, reporting, and stakeholder consultation, with activities limited to a five-year period.
- Citizens: Students, families, and communities could gain increased access to STEM activities, mentorship, and resources, potentially addressing educational disparities.
- International relations: No direct effects are specified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Educational institutions (elementary, secondary, and higher education).
- Students and their families.
- Industry partners and leaders.
- State and local communities.
- The federal committee responsible for STEM education coordination.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation creates a temporary federal designation and reporting framework without new funding mandates or regulatory authority. It operates within existing law and does not appear to raise constitutional concerns or alter federal-state power balances.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-03: Held at the desk.
- 2026-03-03: Received in the House.
- 2026-03-03: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-02-26: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S716)
- 2026-02-26: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-12: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 339.
- 2026-02-12: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-110.
- 2026-02-12: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-110.
- 2025-10-21: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2025-03-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- National STEM Week Act — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (8 pages)
- National STEM Week Act — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (6 pages)
- National STEM Week Act — issued 2026-02-12 — PDF (12 pages)