Science & Technology
Our ability to innovate is crucial to the success of our economy and competitiveness with other countries. Investing in science and technology and increasing our ability to innovate is an important part of keeping the economy in Texas and America strong.
Senator Cornyn believes innovation is crucial to our growing economy. Career and technical education are important building blocks that increase America’s competitiveness in a global economy, fostering workforce development here at home.
Instilling a strong foundation of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields in our youth will help them succeed as citizens and individuals in any field they may choose. By investing in science and technology education initiatives, we equip new workers with valuable skills required for success — encouraging innovation and energizing our economy.
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Senator Cornyn's Legislative Efforts
- Cosponsored the Platform Accountability and Transparency Act (PATA), which would require social media companies to share more data with the public and researchers.
- Authored the bipartisan CHIPS for America Act, which became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, to help restore semiconductor manufacturing back to American soil and support domestic semiconductor production, chip research and development, and supply chain security.
- Led the fight for funding the CHIPS for America Act, which became law as part of the CHIPS and Science Act.
- Sponsored the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act, now law, which authorized the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to work with the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) to help prepare for and respond to cybersecurity risks at the national, state, and local levels.
- Co-sponsored the Rural STEM Education Act to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and training access in rural communities.
- Sponsored the New Hope and Opportunity through the Power of Employment (New HOPE) Act, which became law as part of a larger technical education package,to reduce theburdensome regulations that stifle entrepreneurship and instead encourage policies to help low-income, single mothers, veterans and individuals re-entering the workforce with access to the very professions most suitable to giving them a chance and meaningful work.
- Co-sponsored the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act, now law, to improve education and business partnerships in professional training and apprenticeships by awarding grants to technical schools, two-year colleges, and four-year universities in order to identify best practices for experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, apprenticeships, and online courses.
- Co-sponsored the Protecting American Talent and Entrepreneurship (PATENT) Act, which would protect small businesses and individuals from abusive patent litigation.
Key Votes
- Voted for the United States Innovation and Competition Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, Senate-passed legislation to shore up the global competitiveness of America’s technology sector and transform U.S. tech innovation.
- Supported the Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the 21st Century Act, now law, which updated federal CTE policies to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to compete for in-demand jobs. This legislation simplifies the application process for states to receive federal funds, improves states’ abilities to coordinate with local communities and employers, and increases effectiveness and accountability by streamlining CTE performance measures.
- Voted for the America Invents Act, now law, which updated the U.S. patent system to bring it in line with international standards.
- Voted for the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, now law, whichimproves and makes permanent the Research and Development Tax Credit, to help job creators across Texas innovate and bring new products to market.
- Voted to fund major human space exploration assets like the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion Crew Vehicle while fully funding our commercial space transportation partnerships.
- Voted for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), now law, which ushers in new priorities and goals, including a focus on STEM education topics. Computer science was included with other core subjects, such as writing, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The bill restores responsibility for creating accountability systems to states, working with school districts, teachers, and others, to ensure all students are learning and prepared for success tailored to the workforce needs within their unique community.