"First, there are serious shortages or shortfalls in the U.S. of scientists and engineers – either current shortages/shortfalls, or “looming” ones – that bode ill for the creativity and competitiveness of the U.S. economy.

Second, the numbers of newly-educated scientists and engineers graduating from U.S. universities are reported to be insufficient for the needs of U.S. employers, even though the 2 science careers they are offering are growing rapidly and are attractive and well-remunerated. Some argue that it is this insufficiency that really compels U.S. high-tech firms to offshore increasing fractions of their R&D work, and to hire increasing numbers of scientists and engineers from abroad to “fill the gaps”.

Third, the argued insufficiencies of supply are due to the weakness (or even “failure”) of U.S. K-12 education in science and math.

Fourth, U.S. students are showing declining interest in science and engineering careers, even though these are growing strongly.

Fifth, the “postdoc” status found in growing numbers in most U.S. research universities offers an excellent training opportunity for young scientists before they enter into the promising academic research careers that lie before them.

Sixth, the Congress should respond to these realities by providing large government investments to increase the number of students completing majors in science and engineering fields, and in increasing the flow of Federal research dollars to these fields."