III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 491 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 12, 2012 Mr. Coons (for himself, Mr. Boozman, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Alexander, and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Commending the participants in the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad and recognizing the importance of education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the future of the United States.

Whereas the global economy of the future will require a workforce that is educated in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this preamble as STEM); Whereas the science of chemistry is vital to the improvement of human life because chemistry has the power to transform; Whereas chemistry improves human lives by providing critical solutions to global challenges involving safe food, water, transportation, and products, alternate sources of energy, improved health, and a healthy and sustainable environment; Whereas the International Chemistry Olympiad is an annual competition for the most talented secondary school chemistry students in the world that seeks to stimulate interest in chemistry through creative problem solving; Whereas the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad will be held at the University of Maryland, College Park from July 21 through 30, 2012; Whereas more than 70 countries and nearly 300 students will compete in the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad in theoretical and practical examinations covering analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and spectroscopy; Whereas the objective of the International Chemistry Olympiad is to promote international relationships in STEM education (particularly in chemistry), cooperation among students, and the exchange of pedagogical and scientific experience in STEM education; Whereas STEM education at the secondary school level is critically important to the future of the United States; and Whereas the students who will compete in the International Chemistry Olympiad deserve recognition and support for their efforts: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)welcomes the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad to the United States; (2)recognizes the need to encourage young people to pursue careers in the fields of science (including chemistry), technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (3)commends the University of Maryland, College Park for hosting and the American Chemical Society for organizing the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad.