H.R. 6429 - STEM Jobs Act (Updated 11/29/12)
H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act, introduced on September 18, 2012 by Rep. Smith (R-TX), creates new visa categories for foreign PhD and masters graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and eliminates the diversity immigrant program.
On 9/20/12 the House debated and voted on H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act, under special rules that require 2/3 vote for passage. H.R. 6429 failed by a vote of 257 to 158.
On 11/20/12 the House Rules committee posted a modified version of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act.
On 11/29/12 The House of Representatives will consider H.Res. 821 a rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 6429 - STEM Jobs Act. H.Res. 821 provides the procedural rules that will be used to debate H.R. 6429 on 11/30/12. Procedural rules are usually successfully passed on a party line vote. H.Res. 821 provides for 90 minutes of debate, one technical amendment from Chairman Smith and a “motion to recommit”. The “motion to recommit” is essentially an opportunity for the minority party to offer one amendment to the bill at the end of the debate.
The White House has issued a "Statement of Administration Policy" opposing H.R. 6429.
On 11/30/12 The House of Representatives debated and voted on a modified version of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act. H.R. 6429 passed by a vote of vote of 245 - 139. The measure now moves to the Senate for possible consideration. We will update when more information becomes available.
Other Recently Introduced STEM Bills:
H.R. 6412- Attracting the Best and Brightest Act of 2012
(Introduced by Rep. Lofgren (D-CA) on 9/14/2012)
S. 3553
(Introduced by Sen. Schumer (D-NY) on 9/19/2012)
Member Statements: