House passes resolution creating STEM competition for students

The House on Tuesday approved a resolution that establishes an annual competition for students around the country in science, technology, engineering and math, the so-called STEM fields.

Members approved this resolution 411-3, after a debate in which members of both parties welcomed the idea as a way to promote interest in the STEM fields. The resolution, H.Res. 77, encourages the contest to start with one focusing on the development of mobile phone applications, or "apps."

The only three "no" votes came from Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), Tom Massie (R-Ky.), and Reid Ribble (R-Wis.).

Because the House of Representatives would run the contest, House passage is all that's needed. The resolution says the Committee on House Administration is tasked with coming up with the rules for the competition.

Reps. Robert Andrews (D-N.J.) and George Miller (D-Calif.) used the debate to argue that the resolution is being overshadowed by the coming sequester, which they said will threaten job creation around the country. Both asked for unanimous consent that the House take up a Democratic bill that would replace the $85 billion in cuts with a mix of cuts and new taxes, but each time, the chair said that request has not been cleared by the leaders of both parties.

Just before voting on the resolution, the House voted 1-415 against adjourning the House. The House has held a handful of these votes this year, which appear to be designed to show the public that both parties want to stay in session and work.

In between votes, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) offered his occasional reminder to members about proper floor procedure, including the need to dress appropriately. "You know who you are," he said to laughter.

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