The National STEM Week Act mandates the designation of a National STEM Week each year. During this week, educational institutions and families are encouraged to engage in STEM-related activities. The bill also promotes interaction between STEM industries and students through mentorship, site visits, and lectures, as well as support for STEM education. An annual report on these activities is required to be submitted to Congress.
Media outlets have praised the National STEM Week Act for its potential to enhance interest and participation in STEM fields among students. The initiative is seen as a valuable opportunity for educational institutions to connect with STEM industries, providing students with real-world insights and experiences. Supporters highlight how the bill could lead to increased resources and funding for STEM education, benefiting both students and educators.
Critics of the National STEM Week Act have raised concerns about the effectiveness of a single designated week in making a long-term impact on STEM education. Some argue that without sustained efforts and funding, the initiative may not significantly address the broader issues facing STEM education. Additionally, there are worries about the feasibility of organizing meaningful industry interactions within a limited timeframe.
The National STEM Week Act, sponsored by Joni Ernst, has a low risk of conflict of interest. The main industries that donate to Ernst are Health Professionals, Retired, Securities & Investment, and Government. However, none of these industries directly relate to the subject matter of the bill, which is education. There is some overlap with the Retired and Government sectors, which have donated $562,500,000 and $225,000,000 respectively, but these are broad sectors that could encompass a variety of interests. Lobbying activity in the policy area of the bill is also relatively low, with the highest amount being $670,000 from the National Education Association. The total overlap amount is $787,500,000, which is a significant sum but not necessarily indicative of a conflict of interest given the broad nature of the overlapping sectors.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired (W06) | Sector | Education | $562,500,000 |
| Government (W02) | Sector | Education | $225,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $787,500,000 | ||
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION | NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION | $670,000 |
| ACCENTCARE, INC. | ACCENTCARE, INC. | $235,000 |
| ACCENTCARE, INC. | ACCENTCARE, INC. | $235,000 |
| TD BANK, NA | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $60,000 |
| FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF ATLANTA | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $50,000 |
| CORELOGIC | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $50,000 |
| WISCONSIN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION | WISCONSIN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION | $40,000 |
| RUSSELL INVESTMENTS GROUP, LLC | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $30,000 |
| WELLS FARGO & COMPANY | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $30,000 |
| RELX INC. | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $30,000 |
| ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS COALITION | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $30,000 |
| INTERNATIONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION | INTERNATIONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION | $30,000 |
| AMERICAN AIRLINES INC (FORMERLY REPORTED AS "AMERICAN AIRLINES") | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | $20,000 |
| JPMORGAN CHASE HOLDINGS LLC | GEOFFREY P. GRAY | undisclosed |
| TULE RIVER TRIBE | PATTERSON REAL BIRD & RASMUSSEN LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Joni Ernst, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)