STEM Bill already passed in the House??

[what_now]

As per Oh Law website. US House passed this bill which has STEM provisions.....

The Oh Law Firm (http://www.immigration-law.com/Canada.html)

06/03/2010: House Passed on 05/28/2010 a Bill H.R. 5116 Which Includes U.S. STEM Advance Degree Immigration Recommendation

* Last Friday, the House passed a bill "The America Competes Reauthorization Act of 2010." This bill included an immigration provision which was sponsored by Re. Jeff Flake of Arizona by H.Amdt. 650 79. This provision recommending retaining of graduate-level talent trained at American universities in STEM fields for enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses. This legislation received a strong bi-partisan support. Please stay tuned to this website for further information and development of this legislative bill in the Senate. The Senate is current on recess and will return on June 7, 2010, Monday. There is no information available about the Senate schedule to take up this bill, but considering a strong bi-partisan concensues on this legilation, it may not take too long before the Senate acts on this bill.

[andycool]

As per Oh Law website. US House passed this bill which has STEM provisions.....

The Oh Law Firm (http://www.immigration-law.com/Canada.html)

I think It states that the Bill "Recommends retaining STEM Degree Holders" but not how to retain them :D ...Am i missing some thing...:confused:

[asdcrajnet]

H.R. 5116: America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (GovTrack.us) (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-5116)

[eastindia]

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you please find out from Oh , when he thinks it will pass in the Senate and when it will come a law?
His words- ".. but considering a strong bi-partisan concensues on this legilation, it may not take too long before the Senate acts on this bill."

are vague and no information on timeline.

[shantanup]

Refer to the attached Congressional Record - House H3447.
Discussion on Ammendment No. 50 can be found in teh first column at the bottom.

[kate123]

Actual amendment that was proposed and approved:
GovTrack: H.Amdt. 650: An amendment numbered 50 printed in Part B of... to H.R. 5116: America COMPETES Reauthorization Act... (Vote On Amendment) (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2010-269)

whopping number of representatives (D-251, R-168 ) approved this amendment...

[leena_k]

:) This is very good news and is a very big steps towards easing legal immigrations ... any idea when the senate would vote on this

[pbuckeye]

I think It states that the Bill "Recommends retaining STEM Degree Holders" but not how to retain them :D ...Am i missing some thing...:confused:

Exactly, when I looked at the full bill text, I see nothing that says anything about immigrant related benefits for STEM graduates.

[LONGGCQUE]

I read the stuff and it no where says exactly how to retain STEM talent in US ? Any one has clues

[spulapa]

I read the stuff and it no where says exactly how to retain STEM talent in US ? Any one has clues

Exactly, I had the same question in my mind....How are they going to retain them of course we know the obvious answer but then that should be written somewhere.

[va_dude]

Simple...

Get the STEM guys and put them in Gitmo to retain them ;-)

[ambals03]

Like Kate123 said, there is nothing in the actual bill about immigration. But, there is something in amendement H.amdt.650 of the HR 5116 bill, that says about retaining the graduate level talent in STEM.

If anyone find a full text of this amendement, can you please post it.

[spulapa]

Exactly, I had the same question in my mind....How are they going to retain them of course we know the obvious answer but then that should be written somewhere.

Mr. FLAKE. I thank the Chair. I believe this amendment is noncontroversial in nature. It merely adds sense of Congress language to the bill expressing that, ``retaining graduate-level talent trained at American universities in STEM fields is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses.''

According to the National Science Foundation, foreign students receive about half of all doctorates in engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, physics, and economics that are awarded in the United States. Unfortunately, growing backlogs in processing applications hamper the flexibility of U.S. employers to hire foreign-born talent with advanced degrees from American universities. These hurdles affect even doctoral graduates in STEM fields trained at U.S. universities, who either return home or seek employment in a country with a more welcoming immigration system. The loss of Ph.D. talent, trained at U.S. institutions and due to immigration redtape, to our competitors makes little sense, and it harms our economy.

Researchers at Duke University and the University of California-Berkeley found that from 1995 to 2005, more than a quarter of engineering and technology companies started in the U.S. had at least one foreign-born founder, and in 2006, these companies employed 450,000 workers and produced $52 billion in sales. This amendment is supported by COMPETE America, American Council on International Personnel, and TechAmerica.

I urge its adoption. This is important. We need to ensure that our economy is competitive moving forward, and we need to ensure that we have graduates in these STEM fields who can be here and lead these research efforts.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to the amendment.

The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

There was no objection.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of this good bipartisan amendment by my friend from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and Mr. Quigley from Illinois.

This amendment recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining the best and brightest young scientists from around the world here to the United States. The ability of our Nation to innovate and to compete in a global economy is built on a foundation of basic research. Our universities' postdoctoral fellows, master's and Ph.D. students serve as the engine that drives our research enterprise. It is essential that we retain these STEM workers in the U.S.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment, which makes a bipartisan bill even better, and I think it's the reason, Madam Chair, that this bill has received so much support. Over 1,000 major organizations and companies have endorsed this bill. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Business Roundtable, the Council on Competitiveness, the National Venture Capital Association TechAmerica, TechNet, Technology CEO Council, Telecommunications Industry Association, Energy Sciences Coalition, the Biotechnology Industry Association, on and on and on. So this is a good amendment to a good bill, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. FLAKE. I thank the gentleman, the chairman of the committee, for agreeing to accept his amendment and for his support of this initiative, and for the ability of our economy to keep those who will help lead them into the future and help ensure that jobs stay here as to the extent possible. I urge adoption of the amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I yield back the balance of my time.

The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).

The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.

Mr. FLAKE. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will be postponed.

AMENDMENT NO. 51 OFFERED BY MR. SALAZAR

The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 51 printed in part B of House Report 111-479.

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 5116.

The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.

[pbuckeye]

Mr. FLAKE. I thank the Chair. I believe this amendment is noncontroversial in nature. It merely adds sense of Congress language to the bill expressing that, ``retaining graduate-level talent trained at American universities in STEM fields is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses.''

According to the National Science Foundation, foreign students receive about half of all doctorates in engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, physics, and economics that are awarded in the United States. Unfortunately, growing backlogs in processing applications hamper the flexibility of U.S. employers to hire foreign-born talent with advanced degrees from American universities. These hurdles affect even doctoral graduates in STEM fields trained at U.S. universities, who either return home or seek employment in a country with a more welcoming immigration system. The loss of Ph.D. talent, trained at U.S. institutions and due to immigration redtape, to our competitors makes little sense, and it harms our economy.

Researchers at Duke University and the University of California-Berkeley found that from 1995 to 2005, more than a quarter of engineering and technology companies started in the U.S. had at least one foreign-born founder, and in 2006, these companies employed 450,000 workers and produced $52 billion in sales. This amendment is supported by COMPETE America, American Council on International Personnel, and TechAmerica.

I urge its adoption. This is important. We need to ensure that our economy is competitive moving forward, and we need to ensure that we have graduates in these STEM fields who can be here and lead these research efforts.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to the amendment.

The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

There was no objection.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of this good bipartisan amendment by my friend from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and Mr. Quigley from Illinois.

This amendment recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining the best and brightest young scientists from around the world here to the United States. The ability of our Nation to innovate and to compete in a global economy is built on a foundation of basic research. Our universities' postdoctoral fellows, master's and Ph.D. students serve as the engine that drives our research enterprise. It is essential that we retain these STEM workers in the U.S.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment, which makes a bipartisan bill even better, and I think it's the reason, Madam Chair, that this bill has received so much support. Over 1,000 major organizations and companies have endorsed this bill. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Business Roundtable, the Council on Competitiveness, the National Venture Capital Association TechAmerica, TechNet, Technology CEO Council, Telecommunications Industry Association, Energy Sciences Coalition, the Biotechnology Industry Association, on and on and on. So this is a good amendment to a good bill, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. FLAKE. I thank the gentleman, the chairman of the committee, for agreeing to accept his amendment and for his support of this initiative, and for the ability of our economy to keep those who will help lead them into the future and help ensure that jobs stay here as to the extent possible. I urge adoption of the amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I yield back the balance of my time.

The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).

The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.

Mr. FLAKE. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will be postponed.

AMENDMENT NO. 51 OFFERED BY MR. SALAZAR

The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 51 printed in part B of House Report 111-479.

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 5116.

The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.

This is all in the "discussion" attachment in a previous post by shantanup. Its not the actual text of the amendment.

[lifestrikes]

Cannot locate the text of the Amendment 650. Max I can get is this

H.AMDT.650 (A015)
Amends: H.R.5116
Sponsor: Rep Flake, Jeff [AZ-6] (offered 5/13/2010)

AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment numbered 50 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to express the sense of Congress that retaining graduate-level talent trained at American universities in STEM fields is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses.

STATUS:

5/13/2010 10:32am:
Amendment (A015) offered by Mr. Flake. (consideration: CR H3447, H3454; text: CR H3447)
5/13/2010 12:01pm:
On agreeing to the Flake amendment (A015) Agreed to by recorded vote: 419 - 0 (Roll no. 269).

[lifestrikes]

One more link from Compete America (http://www.competeamerica.org/news/alliance_pr/201000601_COMPETES_Reauthorization_Act.html)

The legislation, which authorizes investments in scientific research and math and science education, included an amendment offered by Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) that expresses the sense of Congress that foreign-born graduate-level talent trained at U.S. universities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) should be allowed to remain in the United States after graduation and contribute to the U.S. economy and competitiveness.

[umndude]

How is it different from the present situation. We are here already? They are not going to let anyone stay here without a job. So it does not help us. They did not mention anything about eliminating backlogs for EB2 (where all STEM MS Grads are present).

[uma001]

How is it different from the present situation. We are here already? They are not going to let anyone stay here without a job. So it does not help us. They did not mention anything about eliminating backlogs for EB2 (where all STEM MS Grads are present).

How can you assume all MS graduates applied in EB2? They might have applied in EB3 also.

[bushman06]

I am wondering why we haven't heard of this before? It seems to carry a very important component of CIR. Additionally I suppose the wordings are way too loose to become law. That is how does DOS or USCIS use these wording?

[gk_2000]

BREAKING: Republicans derail the COMPETES act | Bad Astronomy | Discover Magazine (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/05/19/breaking-republicans-derail-the-competes-act/)

The pubs have done it again, it looks like

[gk_2000]

Dems Thwart GOP Plan To Kill Science Jobs Bill With Porn Provision | TPMDC (http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/06/dems-thwart-gop-plan-to-kill-science-jobs-bill-with-porn.php?ref=mp)

This looks like more updated. It is still on..!

[bushman06]

BREAKING: Republicans derail the COMPETES act | Bad Astronomy | Discover Magazine (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/05/19/breaking-republicans-derail-the-competes-act/)

The pubs have done it again, it looks like

Old news updated: May 19th, 2010 7:25 PM

[girish989]

I think this is a big f*ing deal and I don't understand the logic behind why people are not excited about this .. I mean .. we get excited when some Bombay consulate prints some localized version of the visa bulletin at 1 AM in the night .. and we are not excited about this ...
this could potentially remove all the Masters grads from the queue and hence reduce the backlogs which is great news for all of us ....
As I asked in the subject .. why no excitement .. Please explain

[lifestrikes]

@girish989 -

I called Rep Flake and also ny congressman to get additional text about that Amendment 650. It all points to same dead end.

It says we have to Retain STEM graduates, but doesn't say how. We can get excited when we see the full text.

[girish989]

Read the first port in the link bellow ... it seems he actually spoke to a lawyer about this .. I don't know the facts behind what ever he is saying.. but just wanted to put this out there ..

America Competes Reauthorization Act of 2010! U.S. STEM Advance Degree Immigration! - DREAM Act Portal Forum (http://dreamact.info/forum/showthread.php?t=15221)

[ikass]

This is good start and if possible IV should lobby to get this piece implemented in Senate Version and final legislation. This would make a good difference to backlogs and keep issues faced by Employment based immigrants in constant touch with lawmakers. Request comments from IV Committee members!

[gc_peshwa]

As per Oh Law website. US House passed this bill which has STEM provisions.....

The Oh Law Firm (http://www.immigration-law.com/Canada.html)

काय आता (what now)

तुमच्या profile चित्रामधे अतुलनीय पु.ल. यांचे चित्र आहे काय? उत्सुकता म्हणून विचारले :D

[what_now]

काय आता (what now)

तुमच्या profile चित्रामधे अतुलनीय पु.ल. यांचे चित्र आहे काय? उत्सुकता म्हणून विचारले :d

आम्ही पु.ल. चे जबरदस्त चाहते म्हणून..... अजुन काय?

;-)

[PavanV]

Great folks , with this kind of spirit what does it matter if we live in the US of A, having respect for one's mother tongue is great, but come on,in a public forum ?, what are you trying to potray ?, it makes sense why people are xenophobic here.

[ckichannagari]

Seems promising...can IV core please comment on this. Is this for real ?

thank you.

[immigrationmatters30]

Only problem is cant find the text for the amendment 650. My opinion, they would put a clause that retain all foriegn students STEM degree from US universities who granduated in last two years. The 2 year clause is going to kill most of us. So hopefully they dont put any yearly clause. And let us hope they dont tag it with DREAM act in senate just to kill the amendment.

[smsthss]

I think everyone is focussing on the term retaining STEM grad's rather than on the word "Sense of Congress".

Sense of congress amendment language cannot be made in to law or is enforceable.
Read this. About 'Sense of Congress' Resolutions (http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/senseof.htm)

It looks like it is just a opinion of house.

I hope i am not right.

[smsthss]

The reason why we are not able to find the amendment text may be bcos there is no text as this is just a sense of congress or opinion and not an actual bill.

I hope i am wrong this time too.

[satyasrd]

May I please request IV/Pappu to comment on this ?

Thank you.

[Leo07]

That's exactly what it means....no law is/will be passed. Just an opinion for political purposes.( lawmakers use these recorded statements for their election campaigns)
I think everyone is focussing on the term retaining STEM grad's rather than on the word "Sense of Congress".

Sense of congress amendment language cannot be made in to law or is enforceable.
Read this. About 'Sense of Congress' Resolutions (http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/senseof.htm)

It looks like it is just a opinion of house.

I hope i am not right.

[pappu]

Absolutely NO chance of this bill becoming a law at this time irrespective of what you read on forums and websites.

Please focus on the advocacy days we are planning instead of speculations. Nothing is going to happen unless we make it happen via advocacy effort. if you cannot make it to DC, please contribute for the event. We are short of meeting our target amount and it is the responsibility of every IV member (not just the core team) to make it a success.

[ZeroComplexity]

The only thing that's different about this amendment is they tied the "sense of congress" to a bill and not a resolution. Not sure what that means....

Slightly different from what this article says
About 'Sense of Congress' Resolutions (http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/senseof.htm)

[smsthss]

Text from the link about sense of congress.

"Sense of" resolutions can also be added as amendments to regular House or Senate bills. Even when added to regular bills, "sense of" amendments have no force law.

The only thing that's different about this amendment is they tied the "sense of congress" to a bill and not a resolution. Not sure what that means....

Slightly different from what this article says
About 'Sense of Congress' Resolutions (http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/senseof.htm)

[gk_2000]

Oh... this "Sense" of congress is really a "nonsense".. let's bury this thread!

[ZeroComplexity]

Text from the link about sense of congress.

"Sense of" resolutions can also be added as amendments to regular House or Senate bills. Even when added to regular bills, "sense of" amendments have no force law.

It's right there and I missed it, pitfalls of skimming articles.

This sense of congress amendment is meaningless and just plain insulting.