A press release from the committee: H.R. 2801, Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2003 Introduced by Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), H.R. 2801 would address the "digital divide" - the disparity in access to technology between whites and minority populations. The bill would establish a $250 million per year grant program within the Department of Commerce's Technology Administration, to strengthen the ability of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to provide instruction in digital and wireless network technologies. The bill was originally introduced as H.R. 2183. But in consultation with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate- companion-bill-sponsor Senator George Allen (R-VA), the legislation was altered and reintroduced as H.R. 2801, and the grant program was moved from the National Science Foundation to the Department of Commerce. The Committee adopted an amendment by Chairman Boehlert emphasizing that the technology could be used to educate teachers in science, math, engineering, and technology. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) also introduced an amendment to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of African-American scientists, mathematicians, and inventors. The bill and both amendments were approved by voice vote. "Full access to technology has become a standard, not a bonus, in how we communicate and do our jobs every day," said Forbes. "Minority-Serving Institutions lack even the standard information and digital technology infrastructure, placing students at a disadvantage to compete and qualify for America's best paying jobs." Rep. Johnson added, "I am so pleased about this markup today because minority serving institutions will prepare a growing portion of the future science and technology workforce, simply because demographics dictate that minority students will comprise a greater and greater share of the Nation's college-aged population. It is in the national interest to ensure that minority serving institutions have the capability to provide a quality education for their students." ------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITECH -- Declan McCullagh's politics and technology mailing list You may redistribute this message freely if you include this notice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe to Politech: http://www.politechbot.com/info/subscribe.html This message is archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ Declan McCullagh's photographs are at http://www.mccullagh.org/ Like Politech? Make a donation here: http://www.politechbot.com/donate/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------
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