This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. A person must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.
At a glance
Sourced- This bill would create a National STEM Week each year to promote science, technology, engineering and math.
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in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(1)(C) → inserted (11)The term STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(1)(F) - A White House science committee would pick the week and urge schools, families and companies to take part.
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The Director shall establish a committee under the National Science and Technology Council
[7] 42 U.S.C. 6621, Coordination of Federal STEM education (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (a)in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(1)(C) → inserted (11)Encourage educational institutions to participate in National STEM Week.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(A)Encourage families of students attending the educational institutions participating in National STEM Week to participate in STEM activities.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(B) - Companies would be encouraged to offer mentors, site visits and guest talks.
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engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(C)(i) - The week would end after 5 years unless Congress renews it.
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shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(4) - Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa wrote it. The Senate passed it on February 26, 2026. It is waiting in the House.
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Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Sponsor2026-02-26 | Senate | Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, February 26, 20262026-03-03 12:10:24 | House floor actions | Held at the desk.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, March 3, 2026
What it would mean for you
SourcedIf you have kids in school or college
A yearly week of STEM events, if schools join
- Elementary schools, high schools and colleges would be encouraged to take part.
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The term educational institution means any elementary school, secondary school, and institution of higher education.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(1)(A)Encourage educational institutions to participate in National STEM Week.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(A) - Families would be urged to try STEM activities at home.
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Encourage families of students attending the educational institutions participating in National STEM Week to participate in STEM activities.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(B)
If you run a business in a STEM field
An invitation, not a requirement
- Companies would be asked to mentor students, host visits and support school programs.
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engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(C)(i)support STEM education initiatives at such educational institutions through funding, resources, and expertise
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(C)(ii)
If you live in Iowa
Your senator wrote it
- Sen. Joni Ernst wrote the bill with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.
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Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · SponsorCosponsors (1): Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] (2025-03-14)
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Cosponsors
What this bill does not do
Sourced- It is not law yet. The House has not voted on it.
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2026-03-03 12:10:24 | House floor actions | Held at the desk.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, March 3, 2026 - It creates no new grants. Schools and companies are only encouraged to join.
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Encourage educational institutions to participate in National STEM Week.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(A)engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(C)(i)CBO estimates that implementing S. 1070 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2026-2030 period
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Estimated Costs (CBO) - It does not create a new office. An existing White House science committee runs it.
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Section 101 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621) is amended
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3The Director shall establish a committee under the National Science and Technology Council
[7] 42 U.S.C. 6621, Coordination of Federal STEM education (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (a)
Current law vs. the bill
SourcedEvery place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.
Current law
coordinate the STEM education activities and programs of the Federal agencies7
coordinate the STEM education activities and programs of the Federal agencies[7] 42 U.S.C. 6621, Coordination of Federal STEM education (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (b)(1)
The committee coordinates federal STEM programs; it has no STEM Week.
The bill
in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week2
in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(1)(C) → inserted (11)
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in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(1)(C) → inserted (11)
Current law
The Director shall transmit a report annually to Congress at the time of the President's budget request7
The Director shall transmit a report annually to Congress at the time of the President's budget request[7] 42 U.S.C. 6621, Coordination of Federal STEM education (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (d)
A yearly report on federal STEM programs already goes to Congress.
The bill
a description of the activities conducted under National STEM Week2
a description of the activities conducted under National STEM Week[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(2)(C) → inserted (11)
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a description of the activities conducted under National STEM Week[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(2)(C) → inserted (11)
1 more change side by side
Current law
New: nothing here today.
The bill
shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act2
shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(4)
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showcase diverse career pathways within STEM fields in both classroom settings and informal learning environments[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(2)(B)
shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(4)
What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others
SourcedWritten into the bill
These take effect exactly as written.
- The week must be named every year until the authority ends after 5 years.
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in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(1)(C) → inserted (11)shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(4)
Left to agencies or states
The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.
- The White House science committee picks the week each year, after talking with outside groups.
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in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(1)(C) → inserted (11) - It decides what events to promote and how to reach schools and companies.
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Encourage educational institutions to participate in National STEM Week.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(A)engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(C)(i)
Section by section
SourcedRead all 3 sections in plain words
- Sec. 1 Short title
- Names the bill the National STEM Week Act.
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This Act may be cited as the National STEM Week Act.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 1 - Sec. 2 Findings
- Congress would find that STEM fields are key to the country's economy and that afterschool and home learning help.
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Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are crucial to the economic competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United States.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 2(1)Informal and formal learning environments, including afterschool programs and at-home activities, play significant roles in stimulating interest and proficiency in STEM subjects.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 2(3) - Sec. 3 National STEM Week
- Adds the job of naming a yearly STEM Week to the federal committee that coordinates STEM education.The week's goals include showing STEM careers and helping states plan their own STEM weeks.
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Section 101 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621) is amended
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as National STEM Week
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(1)(C) → inserted (11)coordinate the STEM education activities and programs of the Federal agencies
[7] 42 U.S.C. 6621, Coordination of Federal STEM education (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (b)(1)The committee's yearly report to Congress would cover what happened, its effect and ideas to improve.2
showcase diverse career pathways within STEM fields in both classroom settings and informal learning environments
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(2)(B)support States and local communities in developing and promoting their own STEM Week activities and resources
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(2)(E)The authority ends 5 years after the bill becomes law.2,7
The Director shall transmit a report annually to Congress at the time of the President's budget request
[7] 42 U.S.C. 6621, Coordination of Federal STEM education (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (d)a description of the activities conducted under National STEM Week
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(2)(C) → inserted (11)an analysis of the impact of these activities on improving STEM education and closing educational gaps
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(2)(C) → inserted (11)(B)recommendations for improving future STEM Weeks based on feedback from participants and stakeholders
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(2)(C) → inserted (11)(C)2
shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(4)
What changed between versions
Sourced1 step, from first draft to final text
From the Senate bill as introduced to the Senate-passed text
- The Commerce Committee rewrote it to amend an existing STEM law instead of standing alone.
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shall designate a week each calendar year as National STEM Week
[4] Introduced in Senate (March 14, 2025) · Sec. 3Section 101 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621) is amended
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3 - It added the 5-year end date.
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shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(4) - It cut the word diverse from a finding about the future workforce.
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to ensure a diverse and capable future workforce
[4] Introduced in Senate (March 14, 2025) · Sec. 2(2)to ensure a capable future workforce
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 2(2) - The Senate passed the committee's version.
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The committee-reported amendment, in the nature of a substitute, was agreed to.
[6] Congressional Record, Senate, February 26, 2026 (S716) · S716
Cost
Sourced- The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would cost less than $500,000 over 2026 to 2030.
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CBO estimates that implementing S. 1070 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2026-2030 period
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Estimated Costs (CBO) - That money would come from yearly funding Congress provides.
5
Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Estimated Costs (CBO)
Analysis
AnalysisEvery bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.
Path to law
- Sen. Ernst introduced it on March 14, 2025, with Sen. Klobuchar.
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2025-03-14 | Library of Congress | Introduced in Senate
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, March 14, 2025Cosponsors (1): Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] (2025-03-14)
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Cosponsors - The Commerce Committee approved a rewrite by voice vote on October 21, 2025.
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2025-10-21 | Senate | Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, October 21, 2025by voice vote, ordered S. 1070 reported favorably with an amendment (in the nature of a substitute)
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Legislative History - The Senate passed it without objection on February 26, 2026.
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2026-02-26 | Senate | Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, February 26, 2026was read the third time, and passed
[6] Congressional Record, Senate, February 26, 2026 (S716) · S716 - The House has held it since March 3, 2026, without a vote.
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2026-03-03 12:10:24 | House floor actions | Held at the desk.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, March 3, 2026
Balance of power
- Ernst, a Republican, wrote it with Democrat Amy Klobuchar. Republican Chairman Ted Cruz reported it.
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Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · SponsorCosponsors (1): Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] (2025-03-14)
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · CosponsorsReported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-110.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, February 12, 2026 - A related House bill was filed by Reps. Mike Carey and Joyce Beatty.
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H.R. 2104, a bill related to S. 1070, was introduced on March 14, 2025, by Representative Carey (for himself and Representative Beatty)
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Legislative History
Coalitions
- No recorded votes were taken, and no senator spoke on it.
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by voice vote, ordered S. 1070 reported favorably with an amendment (in the nature of a substitute)
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Legislative History2026-02-26 | Senate | Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, February 26, 2026was read the third time, and passed
[6] Congressional Record, Senate, February 26, 2026 (S716) · S716
Precedent
- Ernst and Klobuchar first filed the bill in November 2024, in the last Congress.
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S. 5391, National STEM Week Act, was introduced on November 21, 2024, by Senator Ernst (for herself and Senator Klobuchar)
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Legislative History
The strongest case on each side
For
- STEM workers are 24 percent of the workforce, and STEM jobs are expected to grow 8 percent by 2034.Senate Commerce Committee (report)
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with STEM workers now comprising 24 percent of the workforce
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Background and NeedsSTEM occupations are expected to grow by 8 percent by 2034
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Background and Needs
Against
- No one opposed it. It adds no grants; the committee can only encourage schools and companies to take part.Congressional Budget Office and the bill text; a limit, not an argument anyone made
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Encourage educational institutions to participate in National STEM Week.
[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(3) → inserted (e)(3)(A)CBO estimates that implementing S. 1070 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2026-2030 period
[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Estimated Costs (CBO)
Did this make sense?
SourcedThree quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.
How this was checked
Sourced2 checks
- Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
- S. Rept. 119-110 (Commerce Committee), with CBO's estimate: The committee's summary and CBO's description match the Senate-passed text.
Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one
Sources
SourcedAll 7 sources
- Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
- Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
- Reported to Senate (February 12, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
- Introduced in Senate (March 14, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
- S. Rept. 119-110 · Committee report · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
- Congressional Record, Senate, February 26, 2026 (S716) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
- 42 U.S.C. 6621, Coordination of Federal STEM education (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Official summary
SourcedNational STEM Week Act
This bill requires the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on STEM to designate a week each calendar year as National STEM Week. (STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.)
During this established week, the committee must encourage educational institutions (i.e., elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education) to participate in the week and also encourage families of students attending these educational institutions to participate in STEM activities. Additionally, the committee must encourage STEM industries to (1) engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures; and (2) support STEM education initiatives at these educational institutions through funding, resources, and expertise.
The committee must annually report to Congress on the activities conducted during the established week.
Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in Senate, Mar 14, 2025).
What has happened
Sourced- Feb 26, 2026Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
- Feb 12, 2026Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-110.Library of Congress
- Mar 14, 2025Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress
Cosponsors
- Amy Klobuchar D-MN