[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 5, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1307, 
which honors the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to 
the United States. This important measure recognizes the National 
Science Foundation for its continued leadership in promoting 
groundbreaking research and educational opportunities in the fields of 
science, engineering, and mathematics--fields that are critical to the 
United States ability to compete in an increasingly technical global 
economy.
  I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for sponsoring this resolution 
and for his leadership in bringing it to the floor.
  Since its inception by Congress in 1950, the National Science 
Foundation has used grants to support the fields of science, 
engineering, and mathematics. In doing so, it has strengthened our 
economy and improved quality of life for Americans. Each year the 
National Science Foundation supports a network of over 200,000 
individual scientists, engineers, students, and educators at over 2,000 
colleges and universities, schools, nonprofits, science centers and 
museums, and small businesses.
  As a former member of the Science and Technology Committee, I 
understand the importance of science in advancing and protecting our 
nation. More importantly, as the chairwoman of the Homeland Security 
Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and 
Response, I commend the National Science Foundation for its National 
Hazards Reduction Program, Approaches to Combat Terrorism Program, and 
other research activities that have predicted and reduced the risk of 
both natural and man-made disasters.
  In or near my congressional district are multiple major critical 
infrastructure sites, including the Port of Long Beach, the Alameda 
Corridor, and the Gerald Desmond Bridge. This critical infrastructure 
is a vital part of the good movement throughout the nation. However, 
due to the high volume of cargo that travels through them daily, these 
infrastructure sites also represent real national security risks. Thus, 
I am particularly attuned to the importance of the National Science 
Foundation's efforts to engineer secure infrastructure and design 
programs that help identity and reduce national security threats.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the National Science Foundation is a 
driving force and a pioneer in the field science, engineering, and 
mathematics. I applaud the National Science Foundation for continuing 
to lead the nation by example in building a new generation of leaders 
in these fields, strengthening our economy, and protecting our 
citizens.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1307.

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