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Eshoo Supports Resolution to Establish Mobile Apps ContestFeb 26, 2013 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- Floor Statement of Representative Anna G. Eshoo H.Res 77, Academic Competition Resolution of 2013 February 26, 2013 Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Academic Competition Resolution of 2013, the first step toward establishing a mobile "apps" contest for students across America. Building on the success of the Congressional Arts Competition, which for more than 30 years has recognized and encouraged artistic talent among our nation's youth, an apps competition will foster interest in STEM education--science, technology, engineering, and math. According to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, in the next decade there will be approximately 8.5 million STEM job opportunities, but during the same time we will face a shortage of one million STEM graduates. We need to address this mismatch by encouraging our children's innate curiosity and creativity. What better way to do so than through a mobile apps competition From mobile medical apps that can revolutionize the way we seek and receive health care, to apps that enable video conferencing and the streaming of online video, our lives have been forever changed by the mobility and economic impact these applications provide. In fact, studies show the app economy has created approximately 150,000 jobs in California and over half a million jobs nationwide, with an economic benefit of more than $13.6 billion across the top 5 "app intensity" states--states with a high percentage of app jobs. I thank Chairwoman Miller, Ranking Member Brady and the House Administration Committee for bringing forward this resolution. As House Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus, with my colleague Chairman Goodlatte, we look forward to working with the Committee to ensure the success of this competition and the continued growth of the app marketplace. |