WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) introduced the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act, a bill to expand veterans’ job and educational opportunities in the sciences.

H.R. 4323 requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a veterans outreach plan and publish data on veterans’ participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in its annual “Indicators” report. The bill updates the NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, fellowship program, and cyber grant programs to include outreach to veterans. Additionally, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is tasked with examining how to increase veteran participation in STEM career fields. 

“Our service members should have every opportunity to succeed when they transition to civilian life,” said Dr. Dunn. “This bill ensures our government goes above and beyond to bring STEM career opportunities to our veterans. By educating more veterans to become STEM professionals, we help keep our promise to those who serve and also maintain America’s competitive edge as a global technology leader. I appreciate Chairman Smith’s leadership and support for this effort.”

The Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act is cosponsored by House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21), as well as several veterans who serve on the committee, including Reps. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Mark Takano (CA-41), Jim Banks (IN-03), Brian Babin (TX-36), Ralph Abraham (LA-05), Steve Knight (CA-25), and Roger Marshall (KS-01).

“Encouraging veterans to enter careers in STEM, including computer science, will help them better transition to civilian life. They will be able to put their training and experience in military service to new and important uses. They will help America stay competitive in research and innovation on a global scale. I look forward to approving Rep. Dunn’s bipartisan bill in the Science Committee soon,” said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith. 

The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where it is expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks.

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