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Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act (H.R. 4742) bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) to improve access to entrepreneurship programs in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields to foster innovation and economic growth.

“Entrepreneurship is the backbone of the American economy and this important legislation opens up opportunities for women innovators to own businesses or pursue private sector careers STEM-related fields,” said Posey.

Specifically, H.R. 4742 expands access to entrepreneurship programs in the STEM fields by encouraging the National Science Foundation (NSF) to recruit and support women. The legislation also encourages participants in these programs to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and into the business world, enhancing their ability to commercialize their scientific expertise and research ideas into profitable commodities and business models.

To compliment H.R. 4742, the House also passed the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act (H.R. 4755). This legislation directs NASA to do outreach to women and girls to encourage them to study and pursue STEM careers. Posey said the Space Coast has long been at the forefront of innovation and that preparing young people to meet the challenges of the future is the key to maintaining our competitive edge.