H.R.3124 - Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3124, the Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025, aims to increase the participation of these groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The bill authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to eligible entities for activities designed to promote STEM education and career pathways for women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. It allocates $15 million annually from 2026 to 2030 for this grant program.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would likely lead to increased funding for programs and initiatives focused on STEM education and career development for women and underrepresented minorities. This could result in a more diverse STEM workforce and increased innovation. The bill could also lead to better data collection and analysis on the participation and retention of these groups in STEM.
Potential Benefits
- Increased diversity in STEM fields.
- Enhanced innovation and problem-solving due to diverse perspectives.
- Expanded access to STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Improved retention rates of women and minorities in STEM careers.
- Greater representation of diverse groups in high-paying STEM jobs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of resources if grant programs are not effectively managed.
- Possible unintended consequences of focusing solely on specific demographic groups.
- Risk of creating a dependence on federal funding for STEM diversity initiatives.
- Limited impact if underlying systemic issues in STEM culture are not addressed.
- The bill does not address the root causes of underrepresentation, such as bias and discrimination.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare (Preamble) and ensuring equal opportunity. While the Constitution does not explicitly address STEM education or diversity initiatives, Congress has the power to enact legislation deemed necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8). The bill's focus on addressing historical underrepresentation could be seen as an effort to promote equal protection under the law, although this is typically applied to state action via the 14th amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).