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Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act

Became Public Law No: 116-115.

Official summary

Version 49 · Public Law · Feb 11, 2020

Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act

This bill addresses the participation of veterans in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, including by making veterans eligible for certain National Science Foundation (NSF) programs.

(Sec. 3) The bill directs the NSF to (1) encourage veterans to study and pursue careers in STEM and computer science in coordination with other federal agencies that serve veterans, and (2) submit a plan to Congress for enhancing veterans outreach.

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The National Science Board shall provide in its annual report on the state of science and engineering in the United States relevant data on veterans in science and engineering careers or education programs.

The bill provides for veterans' participation in (1) the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program to recruit and train mathematics and science teachers, (2) NSF fellowships and masters fellowships for mathematics and science teachers, (3) computer and network security capacity building grants, and (4) traineeship grants leading to a doctorate degree in computer and network security research.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall establish an interagency working group to improve veteran and military spouse equity and representation in STEM fields.

(Sec. 4) The Government Accountability Office must study (1) the academic success rates of student veterans pursuing an undergraduate degree in STEM, computer science, medicine, or other fields identified as meeting national needs; and (2) the barriers faced by such students in pursuing such degrees.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL] · R–FL

Committees

  • Veterans' Affairs Committee
  • Science, Space, and Technology Committee
  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
12 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Became Public Law No: 116-115.

  2. Became Public Law No: 116-115.

  3. Signed by President.

  4. Signed by President.

  5. Presented to President.

  6. Presented to President.

  7. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  8. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H550-551)

  9. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H550-551)

  10. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 153.

  11. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H550-554)

  12. Mr. McAdams moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

  13. Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

  14. Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  15. Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  16. Received in the House.

  17. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  18. Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7164-7165)

  19. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7164-7165)

  20. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 314.

  21. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-164.

  22. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-164.

  23. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  24. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

  25. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze S.153 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Individual rights and government power

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