July 10, 2015

CASTRO AMENDMENT SUPPORTING YOUNG SCIENTISTS UNANIMOUSLY PASSES THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced an amendment to support young scientists and strengthen America's scientific workforce that passed the House of Representatives with a unanimous, bipartisan voice vote. The amendment requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to report on its efforts to attract, retain, and develop women and minority emerging scientists. Rep. Castro's amendment is on H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 344-77.

"If America wants to remain a global leader in medical research, we must invest in the next generation of scientists," said Rep. Castro. "Requiring the NIH to report on its efforts to engage young women and minorities = folks traditionally underrepresented in the sciences - will help ensure we retain this talent. The more inclusive America's scientific community is, the more brainpower we're able to harness, and the more likely we are to develop lifesaving therapies and cures."

A recent National Science Foundation report found that of the science and health researchers in U.S. universities, only 32 percent are women, four percent are African American, four percent are Hispanic, and one percent are Native American.

Video of Rep. Castro introducing his amendment on the House floor is available here: LINK

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