[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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