Democratic Support for the STEM Jobs Act: A Comprehensive Analysis

The STEM Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R. 6429) aimed to provide more visas for skilled foreign workers to help the United States maintain a competitive edge in the technology sector. This act, sponsored by Republican Lamar Smith from Texas, did not pass the Senate. However, the question remains: which Democrats voted in favor of the STEM Jobs Act?

Initial House Vote and Democratic Support

In the initial House vote, a total of 27 Democrats supported the bill. The list of these Democrats includes prominent figures such as Mike Ross, Jon Garamendi, and Jerry McNerney, among others. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Mike Ross, AR Jon Garamendi, CA Jerome McNearney, CA Judy Chu, CA James Himes, CT John Carney, DE John Barrow, GA Daniel Lipinski, IL Joe Donnelly, IN Leonard Boswell, IA Michael Michaud, ME A. Dutch Ruppersberger, MD Collin Peterson, MN Paul Tonko, NY Kathy Hochul, NY Larry Kissel, NC Mike McIntyre, NC Earl Blumenauer, OR Pete DeFazio, OR Kurt Schrader, OR Jason Altmire, PA Jim Cooper, TN Steve Cohen, TN Henry Cuellar, TX Jim Matheson, UT Jim Moran, VA Robin Kind, WI

Senate Rejection and Legislative History

At the time, the Senate was still controlled by Democrats, but they did not allow the bill to progress further. The Senate, with a Democratic-controlled majority, had made it clear that they were not willing to move forward with the act. This decision was likely influenced by various factors, including party ideology, competing legislation, and strategic considerations.

In 2013, Senator David Vitter of Louisiana introduced a new version of the STEM Jobs Act. However, this bill faced a similar fate as its predecessor, never being voted on and ultimately dying in committee. Vitter reintroduced the bill in January 2023, but it is currently sitting in the Senate Judiciary Committee, much like the previous version from 2013.

Conclusion

The support from Democrats for the STEM Jobs Act, as seen in the initial House vote, highlights the complex political landscape of technological policy in the United States. While some Democrats were willing to support the bill, the Senate's lack of movement indicates the broader political and ideological divides within the party on issues related to immigration and employment.

The ongoing debate and legislative history of the STEM Jobs Act provide valuable insights into the dynamics of political support in the U.S. Congress. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone interested in technology policy and its impact on U.S. innovation and competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

The STEM Jobs Act of 2012 had significant Democratic support in the House. Democrats in the Senate were not willing to move the bill forward. A new version of the bill was reintroduced but faced similar challenges. The political landscape remains complex, with divergent views on technological policy.

Further Reading

For further exploration of this topic, interested readers may want to investigate the following resources:

Official Record of H.R. 6429 (112th Congress) Roll Call Votes for STEM Bills (Senate) CNN Article on 2013 STEM Jobs Act