[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 28, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A PUBLIC DIPLOMACY PROGRAM PROMOTING 
   ADVANCEMENTS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS

  The resolution (S. Res. 660) expressing support for a public 
diplomacy program promoting advancements in science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics made by or in partnership with the people 
of the United States was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 660

       Whereas science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     are vital fields of increasing importance in driving the 
     economic engine and ensuring the security of the United 
     States;
       Whereas science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     have played, and will continue to play, critical roles in 
     helping to develop clean energy technologies, find lifesaving 
     cures for diseases, solve security challenges, and discover 
     new solutions for deteriorating transportation and 
     infrastructure;
       Whereas the United States is recognized as an international 
     leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     and a destination for individuals from all over the world 
     studying in those fields;
       Whereas in partnership with countries and individuals 
     across the globe, the people of the United States have made 
     advances in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     that have advanced the knowledge and improved the condition 
     of human beings everywhere;
       Whereas international scientific cooperation enhances 
     relationships among participating countries by building trust 
     and increasing understanding between those countries and 
     cultures through the collaborative nature of scientific 
     dialogue;
       Whereas partnerships between the people of other countries 
     and the people of the United States are the most effective 
     form of public diplomacy, helping to counter misconceptions 
     based on fear, ignorance, and misinformation;
       Whereas consistent polling and scholarly research have 
     shown that even countries that disagree with some aspects of 
     United States foreign policy admire the leadership of the 
     United States in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics; and
       Whereas international scientific cooperation has produced 
     successful engagement and led to improved relations with 
     countries that exhibited hostility to the United States in 
     the past, including Russia and the People's Republic of 
     China: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends individuals and institutions that participate 
     in and support advancements in science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics, especially through 
     international partnerships;
       (2) supports the Science Envoy Program as representative of 
     the commitment of the United States to collaborate with other 
     countries to promote the advancement of science and 
     technology throughout the world based on issues of common 
     interest and expertise; and
       (3) encourages the Secretary of State to establish a public 
     diplomacy program that uses embassies of the United States 
     and the resources of the Smithsonian Institution and other 
     such institutions--
       (A) to establish engaging exhibits that provide examples of 
     cooperation between institutions and the people of the United 
     States and the institutions and people of the host country in 
     the fields of science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics;
       (B) to create fora for individuals working or conducting 
     research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     in the host country to discuss their work and the cooperation 
     with the institutions and people of the United States and 
     those of the host country; and
       (C) to encourage future cooperation and relationships with 
     students around the world in science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics.

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