[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H3085-H3087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 1307) honoring the National Science Foundation for 
60 years of service to the Nation.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1307

       Whereas Congress created the National Science Foundation in 
     1950 to promote the progress of science, to advance the 
     national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the 
     national defense;
       Whereas the National Science Foundation, under the capable 
     leadership of its directors, advised by the distinguished 
     members of the National Science Board, has worked 
     continuously and successfully for 60 years to ensure that the 
     United States maintains its leadership in discovery, 
     innovation, and learning in science, engineering, and 
     mathematics;
       Whereas the National Science Foundation strengthens the 
     economy and improves the quality of life in the United States 
     as the Federal Government's only agency dedicated to the 
     support of fundamental research and education in all 
     scientific and engineering disciplines;
       Whereas the National Science Foundation supports a network 
     of 200,000 individuals each year, including scientists, 
     engineers, students, and educators at over 2,000 colleges and 
     universities, schools, nonprofit organizations, science 
     centers and museums, and small businesses throughout our 
     Nation, and funds multi-user facilities and tools for 
     conducting world-class research and research training;
       Whereas during the past decade, the National Science 
     Foundation has met increasingly challenging national needs 
     with strategic planning, hard work, and unrelenting 
     dedication;
       Whereas the National Science Foundation supports science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at 
     all levels, including support for undergraduate and graduate 
     students, early-career researchers, and K-12 STEM teachers, 
     and emphasizes broadening participation in the Nation's 
     science and engineering research and education enterprises;
       Whereas the National Science Foundation, through its 
     National Hazards Reduction Program, the George E. Brown, Jr., 
     Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, the Approaches 
     to Combat Terrorism program, and similar research activities, 
     has contributed to predicting and reducing the risk of 
     devastation from natural and manmade disasters, and during 
     the past decade has funded quick-response research at the 
     sites of unprecedented national and international tragedies, 
     including the September 11 attacks on the United States, the 
     South Asian earthquake and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and 
     the Haitian earthquake, which in turn will contribute to 
     further preventing and mitigating the impact of future 
     disasters;
       Whereas the contributions of the National Science 
     Foundation to understanding the fundamental nature of the 
     universe included the completion, during the past decade, of 
     the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the Gemini South 
     Telescope, the Long-Range Interferometer Gravitational-wave 
     Observatory, the South Pole Telescope, and the United States 
     contribution to the Large Hadron Collider; and
       Whereas the research and observations supported by the 
     National Science Foundation and conducted in the United 
     States in the polar regions and across the planet 
     increasingly contribute to our understanding of the climate: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the significance of the anniversary of the 
     founding of the National Science Foundation;
       (2) acknowledges that 60 years of National Science 
     Foundation achievements and service to the United States have 
     advanced our Nation's leadership in discovery, innovation, 
     and learning in science, engineering, and mathematics; and
       (3) reaffirms its commitment to support investments in 
     basic research, education, and technological advancement 
     through the National Science Foundation, one of the premier 
     scientific organizations in the World.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Fudge) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.


                             General Leave

  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on H. Res. 1307, the resolution now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Science 
Foundation for 60 years of service in promoting the discoveries and 
innovations that have made this country great. As the Federal agency 
charged with ensuring U.S.

[[Page H3086]]

excellence in science, engineering, and mathematics through basic 
research and education, the Foundation's efforts have been critical to 
maintaining our leadership in a competitive world.
  In addition to its primary mission to support fundamental research in 
all science and engineering disciplines, the Foundation supports many 
crosscutting and transformative research and education programs that 
should serve as models for other agencies and other nations. I will 
cite just a few examples here.
  First, the Foundation supports Engineering Research Centers, which 
serve as models for public-private partnerships in areas of national 
needs. Today, the Foundation is funding ERCs in such areas as smart 
lighting, nanotechnology, and robotics.
  Second, the Foundation supports much of the basic climate science and 
model development that will enable scientists and policymakers to 
understand and predict changes to the climate on a regional scale.
  Finally, the Foundation supports the Noyce Teacher Scholarship 
program, a central piece of the K-12 STEM education initiatives 
included in the 2007 America COMPETES Act. The Noyce program provides 
scholarships to undergraduates who major in a STEM field while 
preparing to become certified or licensed to teach in a K-12 classroom. 
But this program is about more than providing scholarships. It is about 
reforming how K-12 STEM teachers are prepared. And no agency is better 
positioned to do this than the National Science Foundation.
  Keeping America competitive provides good jobs and a strong, growing 
economy. That process begins with a high-quality educational system and 
continues with investments in new ideas and skilled people. The 
National Science Foundation's capable leadership and its staff meet 
these national needs with expertise and enthusiasm, and I commend them 
for the continued high caliber of their performance.
  I want to thank the chair and ranking member of the Committee on 
Science and Technology, Mr. Gordon and Mr. Hall, for introducing this 
resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support and as an original cosponsor of H. Res. 1307, 
honoring the 60th anniversary of the National Science Foundation. We 
are proud of the work of this independent agency that focuses on basic 
research in the frontiers of knowledge and is a very vital asset to our 
Nation. It's the only Federal agency that supports all fields of 
fundamental science and engineering, and makes sure that research is 
integrated with education so that our next generation of scientists and 
engineers are also world class. According to NSF, basic research is, 
quote, ``where discoveries begin,'' and I could not agree more.
  NSF funds more than 10,000 new awardees a year. From those awards 
have come discoveries that have revolutionized the way every American 
lives in one way or another. It was NSF-funded research that led us to 
the Internet and to the Web browsers that we use today. Fundamental 
research supported by NSF is responsible for what we now know as 
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.
  Bar codes appear on nearly everything we purchase today, from toys to 
shoes to boxes of cereal, helping industries with a range of activities 
from inventory to marketing to pricing. This is yet another technology 
where the National Science Foundation plays a crucial role. The 
American Sign Language Dictionary, speech recognition technology, fiber 
optics, Doppler radar--all end results of NSF-sponsored research.
  NSF-funded researchers have won more than 180 Nobel Prizes in 
numerous disciplines, and the agency leads a robust international 
research program in the polar regions, including managing U.S. 
interests in Antarctica.
  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the role of the current 
director of the Foundation and its recent accomplishments. Dr. Arden L. 
Bement, Jr., has led the agency with distinction for the past 6 years. 
He will be returning to Purdue University in June. This Congress and 
Nation owe him a debt of gratitude for his service.
  Likewise to those National Science Board members whose term is up 
next week, including President Steven G. Beering. We also appreciate 
his hard work and dedication in ensuring our scientific enterprise 
remains unsurpassed.
  I encourage our colleagues to join Chairman Gordon and me in 
supporting this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1415

  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the indulgence of my 
colleague from Ohio.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise a little off topic to honor two extraordinary 
young women who are here with us today in the gallery, Lauren Henschel 
and Taylor Davis, for receiving the Prudential Spirit of Community 
Award.
  At age 12, Taylor found out that due to budget constraints her school 
was considering canceling art education. So she sent handwritten 
letters to 45 art supply CEOs in United States and Europe, securing 
$30,000 worth of donated art supplies.
  Now 13, Taylor has started a nonprofit called The Traveling Canvas to 
provide arts education to students around the world.
  At age 14, when Lauren saw her father struggling with psoriasis, she 
took action, spearheading the country's first psoriasis fund-raising 
walk. In the last 4 years, Lauren's vision has spread nationally, 
raising more than $750,000 for the National Psoriasis Foundation. And 
in the spirit of this legislation and promoting research, I know we are 
all proud of her accomplishments.
  When Lauren herself was diagnosed with psoriasis--and remember that 
she is 14 years old--she said the following: I now understand that if 
anyone on earth should have been diagnosed, it was me, so I could use 
all of my abilities to make a difference for the millions of sufferers 
around the world.
  Lauren, Taylor, through your actions, you remind us that our capacity 
to help others is truly limitless. Congratulations, you are both truly 
the pride of the Sunshine State.


                Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair reminds all Members that it is not 
in order to refer to occupants of the gallery.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Res. 1307 to honor the National Science Foundation for 60 
years of service to the nation.
  The National Science Foundation is a remarkably important federal 
agency that is tasked with promoting the progress of science and 
advancing our national health, prosperity, welfare, and defense. 
Americans and people across the world have led more fulfilling and 
dynamic lives due in large part to the technological revolution that 
has shaped our world in the last half-century. It is important that we 
give credit to the National Science Foundation for their role in 
engineering this transformation and making our world safer, easier, and 
more efficient.
  One of the main roles of the National Science Foundation is to fund 
and support unique research proposals, and throughout the years, more 
than 180 Nobel prizes have been awarded to foundation-funded 
researchers. Additionally, the National Science Foundation works 
diligently to ensure that young people are studying science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. We know that 
the jobs of tomorrow are going to rely heavily on a sound understanding 
of the hard sciences, and this part of the National Science 
Foundation's mission is central to our country's longterm economic and 
technological viability.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 
National Science Foundation, and I look forward to the next sixty years 
of technological and scientific breakthroughs. The National Science 
Foundation truly is one of our country's greatest treasures, and I ask 
my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring this foundation for 
the discoveries that they have achieved and their long-lasting support 
of the sciences.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 1307, ``Honoring the National Science Foundation for 60 
years of service to the Nation.'' As a former member of the House 
Science Committee, I would like to thank my colleague Representative 
Bart Gordon  for introducing this legislation as it is important that 
we recognize the important role that the National Science Foundation 
has played in support of education, research and innovation in our 
country.

[[Page H3087]]

  Mr. Speaker, the National Science Foundation was originally created 
by this very body--the United States Congress--in 1950. The intent of 
Congress at the time was to promote the progress of science, to advance 
the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure our nation 
through defense technology and innovation.
  Since that time, the National Science Foundation has worked 
diligently to ensure that the United States maintains its expertise and 
precision in discovery and innovation in addition to education in 
science, engineering, and mathematics.
  Additionally, the National Science Foundation was created with the 
intent of helping to educate the children of our nation and give them 
the tools necessary to become doctors, researchers, astronauts and 
chemists. As the Chairwoman of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I 
fully support the National Science Foundation in its efforts towards 
childhood education and I understand the great importance of educating 
our children in these areas.
  Moreover, the National Science Foundation supports science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels 
from elementary schools to national research universities. We all know 
the great importance this type of education has on children and I 
applaud the National Science Foundation for its dedication to high-
quality education for the children of our nation.
  In addition, Mr. Speaker, the National Science Foundation had made 
many significant contributions to our collective standard of living and 
economy. By creating opportunities for research and innovation in new 
areas, our nation has benefited from cutting-edge medical tools, safer 
cars and transportation systems as well as defense innovations that 
have helped to protect the American people from those that would seek 
to do us harm.
  Through its research capacities, the National Science Foundation 
supports a network of 200,000 individuals each year, including 
scientists, engineers, students, and educators at over 2,000 colleges 
and universities, schools, nonprofit organizations, science centers and 
museums, and small businesses throughout our Nation. The National 
Science Foundation also works with and funds multi-user facilities and 
tools for conducting world-class research and training initiatives.
  In addition to these efforts, the National Science Foundation has 
taken a protective stance for our country against the threat of 
earthquakes and other natural and man-made disasters. Through its 
National Hazards Reduction Program, Network for Earthquake Engineering 
Simulation, the Approaches to Combat Terrorism program, and similar 
research activities the National Science Foundation has contributed to 
predicting and reducing the risk of devastation from natural and man-
made disasters during the past decade.
  The National Science Foundation has also funded quick-response 
research at the sites of unprecedented national and international 
tragedies, including the September 11 attacks on the United States, the 
South Asian earthquake and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the Haitian 
earthquake. These response and research efforts have helped to 
contribute to further preventing and mitigating the impact of future 
disasters.
  I stand today with Representative Bart Gordon and other members of 
Congress in reaffirming our national commitment and appreciation for 
the National Science Foundation as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
  I would also like to thank and praise the thousands of scientists, 
engineers, researchers and administrators who have worked in 
conjunction with the National Science Foundation towards the creation 
of new technologies and the improvement of our collective standards of 
living.
  I ask my colleagues for their support of H. Res. 1307, as well as for 
their continued support for the National Science Foundation and its 
initiatives. By maintaining and increasing the capacity of our nation 
to research and develop new technologies and innovations, I am 
confident that the United States will continue to be a leader in the 
market for technology products for years to come.
  I would like to again thank my colleague Representative Bart Gordon 
for his leadership in introducing this bill as well as for his support 
of the National Science Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 
1307.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1307.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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