Washington, D.C. - Since its creation in 1958, the House Science & Technology Committee has worked to enhance scientific advancement so that the U.S. remains competitive in the global marketplace.  Today, to mark the Committee’s 50th Anniversary, Rep. Baird and members of the Science Committee heard testimony from Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on how the U.S. can better encourage innovation and the role technology can play in developing the nation’s economic growth.

“During the last 50 years, the world has witnessed truly revolutionary advances in science and technology.  We as a nation can take pride in knowing that American scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs have been at the forefront of many of these advances,” said Mr. Gates.  “This Committee can also take pride in knowing that it is directly responsible for many of the key federal policies that provided the foundation for U.S. technology leadership.” 

During the hearing Rep. Baird (WA-03), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, honored Mr. Gates for his leadership on key scientific and technological issues.  Today was likely Mr. Gates’ final Congressional testimony before he dedicates the majority of his time to his philanthropic organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  

“As a proud Washingtonian, I admire Mr. Gates for what he has done for our state and our world and his leadership on the many areas covered by this Committee,” said Rep. Baird.  “We thank Mr. Gates for what he has done for science and what he is doing for the future of science.  It’s an honor to have him here to commemorate the Science Committee’s 50th anniversary.”

Throughout his testimony, Mr. Gates highlighted what he considers the three policy pillars the U.S. must focus on if we are to retain our position as the world’s innovation leader over the next 50 years: strengthening America’s education system; fixing America’s immigration system; and increasing federal funding for basic research. 
Touching upon the challenges companies face in meeting the need for high-skilled workers, Rep. Baird asked Mr. Gates whether more should be done to ensure that U.S. companies demonstrate a commitment to educating our domestic workforce when utilizing more H1-B visa workers.  Rep. Baird complimented Mr. Gates and Microsoft’s leadership in developing a skilled American workforce.

Last month, Chairman Baird began a series of hearings that focus on science diplomacy and how the U.S. can utilize science to build relationships with other nations.  In the first hearing, Chairman Baird and Subcommittee members explored the federal government’s policies relating to foreign students and scholars studying at educational and research institutions, while investigating the barriers that keep legitimate students from participating in research collaborations or conferences in the U.S.   Rep. Baird is working to improve the nation’s visa system to ensure that foreign students are able to travel to the U.S. and study alongside American students to broaden and enrich the educational experience of all.

For a video of Rep. Baird and Mr. Gates, visit this link: http://www.house.gov/baird/video/Rep-Baird-in-Science-Committee-with-Bill-Gates.wmv.

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