Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act aims to coordinate Federal research and development to modernize STEM education. It focuses on integrating mathematical and statistical modeling, data science, and computational thinking into school curricula. The bill directs the National Science Foundation to provide awards to institutions and nonprofits to advance these innovative educational approaches. It also mandates a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to identify barriers and best practices for implementing these models. These efforts are intended to address a projected shortage of STEM professionals and keep pace with evolving industry needs.
Yes· 3 of 24
- Scored +5
Would students be better off under this?
The bill is directly aimed at improving the quality and relevance of education for K-12 students.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into public schools?
The bill authorizes funding specifically to modernize mathematics curricula in public schools.
- Scored +4
Would children be better off under this?
The bill focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for students from prekindergarten through grade 12.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Addressing the STEM Skills Shortage: The bill seeks to prepare students for a future where the U.S. is on track to need 1,000,000 additional STEM professionals (Section 2(a)).
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Increased Career Opportunities: By focusing on mathematical modeling, the act helps students prepare for STEM occupations that often offer higher wages, more advancement opportunities, and higher job security (Section 2(a)).
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Support for Underrepresented Groups: The bill directs research and development to include ways to reduce gaps in access for students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM (Section 2(f)).
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Engagement of Girls: The bill notes that girls participate in mathematical modeling challenges at similar levels to boys, which can be a way to encourage continued participation (Section 2(a)).
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Educational Transitions: The act encourages partnerships that address critical transitions, such as moving from high school to college or from school to jobs (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Expiration of Authority: The authority provided to give out awards under this Act is set to expire on September 30, 2029 (Section 4(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The bill is directly aimed at improving the quality and relevance of education for K-12 students. Would children be better off under this? — The bill focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for students from prekindergarten through grade 12. Would women be better off under this? — The bill specifically notes strategies to encourage continued participation of girls in mathematical modeling. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill targets career transitions for students moving into higher education and the workforce. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill's focus on underrepresented groups in STEM can benefit African American students. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill addresses the need for skilled workers, which benefits employers across various sectors. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill's focus on underrepresented groups in STEM can benefit Hispanic American students. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill aims to reduce access gaps for underrepresented groups, which often correlates with lower economic status. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill encourages partnerships with Tribal educational agencies. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill supports universal design for accessibility in educational practices. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Increased access to high-paying STEM careers can benefit middle-class economic upward mobility. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions to engage rural local agencies in educational research and development.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes funding specifically to modernize mathematics curricula in public schools. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directs the National Science Foundation to fund research and development in mathematical modeling education. Does this make college cost less? — By addressing transitions from high school to college, the bill supports better educational pathways.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill highlights opportunities for girls to engage in mathematical modeling to maintain participation rates. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill includes provisions to reduce gaps in access for students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill promotes the use of universal design for accessibility in mathematical and statistical teaching practices.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By addressing the STEM skills shortage, the bill helps modernize the workforce to meet evolving industry needs. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to address a projected shortage of 1,000,000 STEM professionals, which indirectly supports future job growth.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public reporting of evaluation results and findings to Congress. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal coordination of STEM education research and development through the NSF.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill encourages engagement with rural local agencies to support community-based learning.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Strengthening STEM education provides a foundational workforce for future cybersecurity needs.
- 3/25/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 3/24/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1197-1199)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1197-1199)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 730.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1197-1201)
- Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 3/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/24/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania