Politech: FC: House Science committee votes to bridge digital divide!

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

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."



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