[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 460 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 460

 Congratulating the American Geophysical Union on the occasion of its 
                              centennial.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           December 19, 2019

  Mr. Cardin (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Congratulating the American Geophysical Union on the occasion of its 
                              centennial.

Whereas, in December 1919, the National Research Council organized the American 
        Geophysical Union--

    (1) to represent the United States in the International Union of 
Geodesy and Geophysics of the International Research Council; and

    (2) to serve as the Committee on Geophysics of the National Research 
Council to promote work in the fields of astronomy, geodesy, geology, 
meteorology, seismology, terrestrial electricity and magnetism, and 
volcanology;

Whereas, in 1972, the American Geophysical Union was incorporated as an 
        independent organization;
Whereas, in 2019, the American Geophysical Union has more than 60,000 members in 
        137 countries;
Whereas the mission of the American Geophysical Union is to promote discovery in 
        Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity;
Whereas Earth and space sciences are international endeavors that transform 
        human understanding of the planet, from the core through the atmosphere 
        of the planet and into the universe beyond;
Whereas Earth and space sciences drive basic and applied research that has led 
        to critical health, environmental, commercial, and technological 
        breakthroughs that have inspired individuals throughout the world, 
        strengthened economies, and raised standards of living;
Whereas Earth and space sciences help individuals--

    (1) understand and formulate solutions for the critical challenges 
facing the planet;

    (2) become better stewards of natural resources, such as energy, water, 
and minerals, for current and future generations; and

    (3) comprehend and mitigate the effects of terrestrial, manmade, and 
space disasters, which protects communities worldwide;

Whereas Earth and space sciences are critical components of a science, 
        technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (in this preamble 
        referred to as ``STEAM'') education and inspire students of all ages to 
        become citizen scientists and future leaders in STEAM fields;
Whereas Earth and space sciences seek to discover the origins of humanity, the 
        planet, and the universe, and are a source of awe for past, current, and 
        future generations; and
Whereas December 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the 
        American Geophysical Union: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) congratulates the American Geophysical Union on the 
        occasion of its centennial;
            (2) supports increasing the understanding of and interest 
        in Earth and space sciences at the local, national, and 
        international levels;
            (3) encourages the scientific community to engage in public 
        outreach so that individuals of all ages and backgrounds gain a 
        better understanding of and appreciation for the value of Earth 
        and space sciences to daily life and quality of life;
            (4) expresses support for the free and open exchange of 
        ideas in Earth and space sciences;
            (5) recognizes the important role of governments in 
        fostering Earth and space scientific research, including 
        contributing to higher-risk and longer-term investigations and 
        providing funding for the basic and applied research necessary 
        for human welfare;
            (6) encourages international cooperation in efforts 
        relating to Earth and space sciences to foster the global 
        exchange of knowledge and collaboration among scientists 
        worldwide for the benefit of humanity; and
            (7) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
        transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the executive 
        director and chief executive officer of the American 
        Geophysical Union.
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