Week in Review — 2.11.22
The SST Newsletter highlights the goings on of the Committee, the hard work of our Members, and a look ahead. Sign up to get it delivered straight to your inbox!
Research and Development to Combat Human Trafficking
On Tuesday, the Committee held a hearing to discuss scientific research and technology development to counter human trafficking in the United States, including trafficking for forced labor and sexual exploitation. The hearing provided an opportunity for experts to provide information related to current gaps in human trafficking research, data analysis challenges, opportunities for technology development to disrupt human trafficking networks, strengthening partnerships between academia and practitioners, and challenges in translating research into evidence-based antitrafficking policy.
“We need more Federal coordination of research and technology development that will lead to evidence-based, victim-centered, survivor-informed, and culturally-informed antitrafficking strategies. Increasing data sharing and making use of machine learning and other tools will help bring this crime out of the shadows. As we continue to tackle this issue, we must also move toward more equitable data collection. To understand the full scale and scope of this issue, we must ensure that black, brown, Indigenous, LGBTQ, and non-citizen survivors of human trafficking are included in the data. I hope that this Committee will support a strong role for Federally-supported science and technology in a whole of-government effort to combat human trafficking for a safer, more secure America.”
- Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
ICYMI: Chairwoman Johnson and Commerce Secretary Raimondo Look Toward Continued Partnership with America COMPETES
Last Friday, the House passed the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act of 2022. The America COMPETES Act of 2022 was sponsored by Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and includes transformative, bipartisan legislation from the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
“I applaud Chairwoman Johnson for her leadership in crafting and shepherding this essential legislation through the House of Representatives. The America COMPETES Act will protect our nation’s scientific edge, create a strong and diverse STEM workforce, and revitalize our nation’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. This bill’s investments would not have been possible without Chairwoman Johnson’s tireless advocacy and negotiations with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I look forward to continuing to work with her to reconcile this bill with its Senate counterpart and delivering on these crucial priorities for the American people.”
- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
Read the full press release here.
Chairwoman Johnson Honors Black Americans’ Scientific Contributions During Black History Month
As we begin Black History Month, Chairwoman Johnson celebrates the incredible accomplishments of Black Americans in our scientific enterprise.
Black Americans have made numerous contributions to science and technology. Follow along on Twitter as we highlight their achievements.
Coming up in Committee
Subcommittee on Research and Technology
Subject: “Strengthening the U.S. Microelectronics Workforce”
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM EDT
Place: Online via videoconferencing
Subject: “H2Success: Research and Development to Advance a Clean Hydrogen Future”
Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM EDT
Place: Online via videoconferencing
