[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 88 (Tuesday, June 12, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 491--COMMENDING THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE 44TH 
  INTERNATIONAL CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF 
   EDUCATION IN THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND 
             MATHEMATICS TO THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. Boozman, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Alexander, and 
Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was considered 
and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 491

       Whereas the global economy of the future will require a 
     workforce that is educated in the fields of science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this 
     preamble as ``STEM'');
       Whereas the science of chemistry is vital to the 
     improvement of human life because chemistry has the power to 
     transform;
       Whereas chemistry improves human lives by providing 
     critical solutions to global challenges involving safe food, 
     water, transportation, and products, alternate sources of 
     energy, improved health, and a healthy and sustainable 
     environment;
       Whereas the International Chemistry Olympiad is an annual 
     competition for the most talented secondary school chemistry 
     students in the world that seeks to stimulate interest in 
     chemistry through creative problem solving;
       Whereas the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad will be 
     held at the University of Maryland, College Park from July 21 
     through 30, 2012;
       Whereas more than 70 countries and nearly 300 students will 
     compete in the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad in 
     theoretical and practical examinations covering analytical 
     chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic 
     chemistry, physical chemistry, and spectroscopy;
       Whereas the objective of the International Chemistry 
     Olympiad is to promote international relationships in STEM 
     education (particularly in chemistry), cooperation among 
     students, and the exchange of pedagogical and scientific 
     experience in STEM education;
       Whereas STEM education at the secondary school level is 
     critically important to the future of the United States; and
       Whereas the students who will compete in the International 
     Chemistry Olympiad deserve recognition and support for their 
     efforts: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) welcomes the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad to 
     the United States;
       (2) recognizes the need to encourage young people to pursue 
     careers in the fields of science (including chemistry), 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics; and
       (3) commends the University of Maryland, College Park for 
     hosting and the American Chemical Society for organizing the 
     44th International Chemistry Olympiad.

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