Walberg Weekly Wrap-up

Press Release

WALBERG WEEKLY WRAP-UP

It has been another busy week on the legislative front in the House. Allow me to provide a quick update:

Keeping America Competitive

A recent study revealed that 15-year-old American students rank 21st out of 28 major countries in mathematical aptitude and 16th in science aptitude. America expects and demands better results, and we must do better as a nation to successfully compete in the global economy and ensure our students show results and have the necessary skills to compete in the 21st century.

This week, during votes in the House, I supported two important bills that will improve math and science education and America's competitiveness.

The House passed H.R. 362, the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act, which would annually increase the number of U.S. math and science teachers by 10,000.

This legislation also authorizes programs to improve U.S. math, science and engineering education at all levels. These programs will develop and provide teacher training, attract math and science majors to teaching, improve undergraduate math, science and engineering courses and expand interdisciplinary graduate work.

H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, would increase research in the physical sciences at key federal agencies by 10 percent per year.

This bill also awards researchers who demonstrate excellence by creating a Presidential Innovation Award to be given to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering idea of national interest.

Another important component of the bill establishes a national coordination office for university and research facility infrastructure needs.

America is the world's premiere laboratory for research and development, and we must make the necessary investments today to ensure our leadership continues. As your Congressman, I will continue to work to ensure this happens.

Canadian Trash Bill Passes House

Tuesday afternoon the International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act, legislation empowering Michigan to reduce the importation of solid waste from Canada, passed the House.

As an original co-sponsor of the bill, I gave a speech on the House floor urging my colleagues to support this legislation which will allow Michigan to decide whether or not our state should accept the over four million tons of trash from Canada every year.

Michigan instituted laws banning Canadian trash in 1988, but the Supreme Court struck down these laws a mere four years later and ruled that Congress has not granted such authority to our state.

For too long Michigan has had its hands tied by the federal government, and it is time to let decisions about the integrity and safety of our land be made by those who inhabit the land.

I look forward to working with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) and other members of the Michigan delegation to encourage the Senate to consider this legislation in an expedited manner.

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