Republican Sen. Marco Rubio teamed up with Democrat Sen. Bob Casey to introduce bipartisan legislation that would increase computer science education programs in schools throughout the country.

On Wednesday, the Florida senator and potential 2016 presidential contender released a statement advocating for federal dollars behind consumer science programs in a bill named the "Computer Science Education and Jobs Act." According to the press release, the bill would strengthen computer science education by changing federal education policies to provide students from elementary to high school access to computer science programs.

"Our students must be equipped with skills that lead to employment in today's global economic marketplace, as well as a strong foundation should they choose to continue their education in a postsecondary setting," said Rubio in the statement. "An increasing number of jobs require or will require a foundational knowledge of computer science and related fields, and the Computer Science Education and Jobs Act ensures greater access to this kind of learning. This bill can help advance today's K-12 education into the 21st century and provide our students with the skills they need to succeed."

Likewise, Casey stated American students need to be equipped with computer science and STEM skills in order to compete in the global economy.

"I am proud to introduce the Computer Science Education and Jobs Act in the Senate to help our schools improve computer science instruction," said the Pennsylvania senator. "In both the near- and long-term, job opportunities in mathematics and computer science will grow faster than in any other technology sector category. This legislation will give more students the opportunity to position themselves for high-skilled, good paying jobs in the future through the study of computer science."

According to the Sunshine State News, several national computer science-based organizations are backing the bill, including the Computer Science Teachers Association, the Computing Research Association, the National Center for Women and Information Technology and the National Science Teachers Association.