Congressman Mike Garcia filed bipartisan legislation along with Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. The “Supporting Early Career Researchers Act” is a bill that would create a fellowship program at the National Science Foundation for postdoctoral researchers who are unable to continue their research at universities due to COVID-19. Congressman Mike Garcia had the following to say upon filing this vital legislation:
"During these unusual times, it is critically important that we ensure that all efforts and avenues are being made available to the next generation of ground-breaking researchers so that we do not fall drastically behind other foreign powers. Countries, such as Communist China, are threatening to outpace the United States in the fields of science and technology. Now, more than ever, Congress must ensure that innovation gained through these important areas of research is not forfeited for years to come."