WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 1070 · 119th Congress

National STEM Week Act

Passed SenateDrafted by AI, awaiting reviewEducation
IntroducedMar 14, 2025
Passed SenateFeb 26, 2026
Passed HouseNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed Senate. Latest step, Mar 3, 2026: Held at the desk. From Iowa: Joni Ernst sponsors it. It would change 1 section of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

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S. 1070 would change 1 section of existing law, and would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as passed by the Senate (Feb 26, 2026).

42 U.S.C. 6621 Coordination of Federal STEM education

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Findings
What the words would change: every change, in place (7)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 42 U.S.C. 6621(b)(9)changedby S. 1070 Sec. 3(1)

    (9) request and review feedback from States on how the States are utilizing Federal STEM education programs and activities; and

    The bill says: in paragraph (9), by striking "and" after the semicolon;

  2. 42 U.S.C. 6621(b)(10)changedby S. 1070 Sec. 3(1)

    (10) recommend the reform, termination, or consolidation of Federal STEM education activities and programs, taking into consideration the recommendations of the STEM Education Advisory Panel.; and

    The bill says: in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and

  3. 42 U.S.C. 6621(b)added (11)by S. 1070 Sec. 3(1)

    (11) in consultation with relevant stakeholders, designate a week each calendar year, until the expiration date provided in subsection (e), as "National STEM Week".

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following:

  4. 42 U.S.C. 6621(d)(9)changedby S. 1070 Sec. 3(2)

    (9) an account of Federal research agency investments in HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including, to the degree practicable, data on the level of participation of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs as prime recipients, contractors, subrecipients, or subcontractors of an award, or reasonable estimates thereof; and

    The bill says: in paragraph (9), by striking "and" after the semicolon;

  5. 42 U.S.C. 6621(d)(10)changedby S. 1070 Sec. 3(2)

    (10) a description of material changes to the implementation of section 10522 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act.; and

    The bill says: in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and

  6. 42 U.S.C. 6621(d)added (11)by S. 1070 Sec. 3(2)

    (11) a description of the activities conducted under National STEM Week, including—(A) a summary of nationwide participation and activities;(B) an analysis of the impact of these activities on improving STEM education and closing educational gaps; and(C) recommendations for improving future STEM Weeks based on feedback from participants and stakeholders.

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following:

  7. 42 U.S.C. 6621added (e)by S. 1070 Sec. 3(3)

    (e) National STEM Week.—(1) Definitions.— In this subsection:(A) Educational institution.— The term educational institution means any elementary school, secondary school, and institution of higher education.(B) Elementary school; secondary school.— The terms elementary school and secondary school have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).(C) Industry leader.— The term industry leader means an individual in a leadership position within an industry partner who has the authority to make strategic decisions and allocate resources to support the purposes of National STEM Week.(D) Industry partner.— The term industry partner means a for-profit or nonprofit entity seeking to support the purposes of National STEM Week.(E) Institution of higher education.— The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).(F) STEM.— The term STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.(G) State.— The term State means each of the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.(2) Purposes.— The purposes of National STEM Week are, through the programs and activities described in paragraph (3), to—(A) highlight the importance of STEM education in educational institutions across the country;(B) showcase diverse career pathways within STEM fields in both classroom settings and informal learning environments;(C) encourage family engagement with STEM activities at home to foster a conducive learning environment;(D) facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders to provide students with real-world applications and mentorship opportunities in STEM fields; and(E) support States and local communities in developing and promoting their own STEM Week activities and resources, tailored to their unique educational and industrial landscapes.(3) Programs and activities.— During National STEM Week, the committee established under subsection (a) shall carry out the following:(A) Educational activities.— Encourage educational institutions to participate in National STEM Week.(B) Community and family engagement.— Encourage families of students attending the educational institutions participating in National STEM Week to participate in STEM activities.(C) Industry involvement.— Encourage STEM industries to—(i) engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures; and(ii) support STEM education initiatives at such educational institutions through funding, resources, and expertise.(4) Expiration.— The authority to designate a week as National STEM Week and to carry out all programs and activities described in this subsection shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the National STEM Week Act.

    The bill says: by adding at the end the following:

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

Bill text used: Engrossed in Senate (passed the Senate February 26, 2026; not yet law) · updated Oct 28, 2026

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

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What it would mean for you

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If 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.
    2The 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.
    2Encourage 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.
    2engage 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

What this bill does not do

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Current law vs. the bill

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Every 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.

42 U.S.C. 6621(b)Adds a duty

Current law

coordinate the STEM education activities and programs of the Federal agencies
7coordinate 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 Week
2in 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)
In plain words: The committee would also name a National STEM Week each year.
2in 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)
42 U.S.C. 6621(d)Adds to a report

Current law

The Director shall transmit a report annually to Congress at the time of the President's budget request
7The 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 Week
2a description of the activities conducted under National STEM Week[2] Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Sec. 3(2)(C) → inserted (11)
In plain words: That yearly report would add a section on STEM Week.
2a 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
42 U.S.C. 6621(e)New subsection

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 Act
2shall 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)
In plain words: Sets the week's goals and activities, ending after 5 years.
2showcase 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

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Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

  • The week must be named every year until the authority ends after 5 years.
    2in 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.
    2in 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.
    2Encourage 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

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Read all 3 sections in plain words
Sec. 1 Short title
Names the bill the National STEM Week Act.
2This 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.
2Science, 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.
2,7Section 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 week's goals include showing STEM careers and helping states plan their own STEM weeks.
2showcase 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 committee's yearly report to Congress would cover what happened, its effect and ideas to improve.
2,7The 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)
The authority ends 5 years after the bill becomes law.
2shall 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

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1 step, from first draft to final text

From the Senate bill as introduced to the Senate-passed text

Cost

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  • The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would cost less than $500,000 over 2026 to 2030.
    5CBO 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.
    5Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.[5] S. Rept. 119-110 · Estimated Costs (CBO)

Analysis

Analysis

Every 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

Balance of power

Coalitions

Precedent

  • Ernst and Klobuchar first filed the bill in November 2024, in the last Congress.
    5S. 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.
    5with 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
    Senate Commerce Committee (report)

Against

  • No one opposed it. It adds no grants; the committee can only encourage schools and companies to take part.
    2,5Encourage 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)
    Congressional Budget Office and the bill text; a limit, not an argument anyone made

Did this make sense?

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Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. What would this bill create?
2. What would companies be encouraged to do?
3. How long would the STEM Week authority last?

How this was checked

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2 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

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All 7 sources
  1. Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  2. Engrossed in Senate (February 26, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  3. Reported to Senate (February 12, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  4. Introduced in Senate (March 14, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  5. S. Rept. 119-110 · Committee report · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  6. Congressional Record, Senate, February 26, 2026 (S716) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  7. 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

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National 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

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  1. Mar 3, 2026Held at the desk.House floor actions
  2. Mar 3, 2026Received in the House.House floor actions
  3. Mar 3, 2026Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
  4. Feb 26, 2026Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S716)Senate
  5. Feb 26, 2026Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
  6. Feb 12, 2026Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 339.Senate
  7. 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.Senate
  8. 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
  9. Oct 21, 2025Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
  10. Mar 14, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
  11. Mar 14, 2025Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Cosponsors

  • Amy Klobuchar D-MN