Rep. Grijalva Votes for COMPETES Act, Includes Amendment To Create Office of Education Technology in BIE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the America COMPETES Act, a transformative legislative package to supercharge production of chips, strengthen U.S. supply chains, expand renewable energy, protect the oceans, crack down on illegal wildlife and fishing practices, strengthen American manufacturing, and advance U.S. scientific excellence and research. 

The COMPETES Act also included Rep. Grijalva’s amendment to create the Office of Education Technology in the Bureau of Indian Education and was endorsed by the National Indian Education Association.

“With the passage of the America COMPETES Act, House Democrats are taking action to ensure that America is competitive and ready for the future,” said Rep. Grijalva. “The pandemic highlighted the persisting inequities in our education system, especially among tribes. This bill includes elements to improve educational outcomes and capacity at every level. I’m proud that we are including improvements for tribal students. We are one step closer to educational equity. By creating the Office of Education Technology in the Bureau of Indian Education, we will provide tribal students and staff the capacity to have digital accessibility including high speed internet access and technology fundamentals for education programs.”

The amendment was created in response to concerns heard in the 116th Congress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the September Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States hearing entitled the “Examining the Bureau of Indian Education’s School Reopening Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”