{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-releases-statement-after-co-hosting", "Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement after Co-Hosting Blue Collar STEM Briefing", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Eddie Johnson", "J000126", "ebjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement today after co-hosting a briefing with Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), entitled Blue Collar STEM: The Future of the U.S. Workforce. The briefing was organized to demonstrate a commitment by policymakers to support efforts to modernize our approach to workforce training and help steer young leaders into fields that will enable them to compete in a global economy. This event was organized with her co-chair of the CBC Technology and Infrastructure Development Task Force, Congresswoman Val Demings: \n\u201cThe discussion surrounding the future our of workforce and the skills necessary to succeed in a 21st century economy is one that must continue,\u201d said Congresswoman Johnson. \u00a0\u201cWhen we discuss opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and the future of our workforce, the conversation should also be inclusive of those who have chosen to pursue a two-year degree or vocational training.\u00a0 Every person deserves the opportunity to participate in our economy.\u201d\n\u201cThis is the first in a series of events aimed at highlighting the importance and value of blue collar STEM fields and what it means to include traditionally underrepresented segments of the population.\u00a0 It is my personal commitment to join my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus and others in Congress to ensure that every American has the tools they need to excel in these new fields.\u201d\nThe following individuals participated in the panel: Dr. Victor McCrary, Vice President for Research and Economic Develop, Morgan State University and National Science Board Member; Dr. Steve McGee, President of The Learning Partnership; Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer at Code.org; and Jacqueline E. Rodriguez, Program Associate at Opportunity@Work. \u00a0The briefing was moderated by Spencer Overton, President of The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.\nTo watch the briefing, click here.\u00a0\nPictures from the briefing, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-releases-statement-after-co-hosting"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.3664111029356718, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}