Congressional Internet Caucus Announces Representatives Guthrie and Schrier as Congressional App Challenge Co-Chairs
WASHINGTON D.C., April 2nd, 2025: The Congressional Internet Caucus’ co-chairs Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Haley Stevens (MI-11) have announced their selection of two new co-chairs for the House of Representatives’ annual coding competition, the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Taking on the roles formerly occupied by Representatives Ted Lieu (CA-36) and Zach Nunn (IA-03), the co-chairs of the CAC in the 119th Congress will be Representatives Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Kim Schrier (WA-08).
The Congressional App Challenge is a nonpartisan, congressional initiative to spark student interest in coding across the U.S. Established in 2013 through House Resolution 77, the Academic Competition Resolution, the Challenge has dramatically expanded congressional discourse on computer science and coding—by 2,000%—while reaching 384 representatives who hosted a Challenge in their district last year. In 2024 alone, the Challenge set new records, with over 12,000 students participating and more than 3,900 apps submitted from all 50 states. The Challenge’s continued growth highlights its role in bridging tech policy and STEM education, inspiring students to solve real-world problems through technology.
Representatives Guthrie and Schrier, a Republican and a Democrat respectively, will assume leadership of the Challenge, reinforcing its strong bipartisan support in Congress.
Representative Brett Guthrie represents Kentucky’s 2nd Congressional District. He serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which includes the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. He has been a strong advocate for rural broadband expansion, blockchain technology, and cybersecurity—particularly in healthcare.
“I am excited to serve as a co-chair of the Congressional App Challenge for the 119th Congress. Every year, one of my favorite things to do as the Representative for Kentucky’s Second District is see the apps local students develop to solve real-world issues,” said Congressman Guthrie. “Each of these young app developers showcases immense ingenuity and creativity in their submissions. I’m looking forward to joining my fellow co-chair, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, to welcome the winners from across the country to the Capitol in April for the 2025 House of Code, where they’ll have the opportunity to showcase their apps to a nationwide audience.”
Representative Kim Schrier represents Washington’s 8th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and has championed STEM education access, particularly in rural areas. She also played a key role in crafting policies within the America COMPETES Act, aimed at strengthening America’s global competitiveness in technology and other sectors.
“I’m honored to serve as a co-chair for the Congressional App Challenge and am excited to see the apps that talented students from across the country create,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “My district is nearly 10,000 square miles, suburban and rural. And technology matters in every corner of this district. That’s why it’s so important that we invest in STEAM education and encourage their participation in opportunities like the Congressional App Challenge. It is the perfect setting for students to showcase their knowledge and hard work.”
The Congressional App Challenge team is thrilled to welcome the new co-chairs, both of whom are deeply committed to expanding STEM accessibility and education nationwide. Pre-registration for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge is now open, and students are encouraged to sign up today using this link. Our new co-chairs look forward to seeing the next wave of groundbreaking, student-created apps that showcase the future of technology!