[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 206 (Thursday, December 19, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7213-S7214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 460--CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION ON 
                     THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL

  Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following

[[Page S7214]]

resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 460

       Whereas, in December 1919, the National Research Council 
     organized the American Geophysical Union--
       (1) to represent the United States in the International 
     Union of Geodesy and Geophysics of the International Research 
     Council; and
       (2) to serve as the Committee on Geophysics of the National 
     Research Council to promote work in the fields of astronomy, 
     geodesy, geology, meteorology, seismology, terrestrial 
     electricity and magnetism, and volcanology;

       Whereas, in 1972, the American Geophysical Union was 
     incorporated as an independent organization;
       Whereas, in 2019, the American Geophysical Union has more 
     than 60,000 members in 137 countries;
       Whereas the mission of the American Geophysical Union is to 
     promote discovery in Earth and space sciences for the benefit 
     of humanity;
       Whereas Earth and space sciences are international 
     endeavors that transform human understanding of the planet, 
     from the core through the atmosphere of the planet and into 
     the universe beyond;
       Whereas Earth and space sciences drive basic and applied 
     research that has led to critical health, environmental, 
     commercial, and technological breakthroughs that have 
     inspired individuals throughout the world, strengthened 
     economies, and raised standards of living;
       Whereas Earth and space sciences help individuals--
       (1) understand and formulate solutions for the critical 
     challenges facing the planet;
       (2) become better stewards of natural resources, such as 
     energy, water, and minerals, for current and future 
     generations; and
       (3) comprehend and mitigate the effects of terrestrial, 
     manmade, and space disasters, which protects communities 
     worldwide;

       Whereas Earth and space sciences are critical components of 
     a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (in 
     this preamble referred to as ``STEAM'') education and inspire 
     students of all ages to become citizen scientists and future 
     leaders in STEAM fields;
       Whereas Earth and space sciences seek to discover the 
     origins of humanity, the planet, and the universe, and are a 
     source of awe for past, current, and future generations; and
       Whereas December 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the 
     establishment of the American Geophysical Union: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the American Geophysical Union on the 
     occasion of its centennial;
       (2) supports increasing the understanding of and interest 
     in Earth and space sciences at the local, national, and 
     international levels;
       (3) encourages the scientific community to engage in public 
     outreach so that individuals of all ages and backgrounds gain 
     a better understanding of and appreciation for the value of 
     Earth and space sciences to daily life and quality of life;
       (4) expresses support for the free and open exchange of 
     ideas in Earth and space sciences;
       (5) recognizes the important role of governments in 
     fostering Earth and space scientific research, including 
     contributing to higher-risk and longer-term investigations 
     and providing funding for the basic and applied research 
     necessary for human welfare;
       (6) encourages international cooperation in efforts 
     relating to Earth and space sciences to foster the global 
     exchange of knowledge and collaboration among scientists 
     worldwide for the benefit of humanity; and
       (7) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
     transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the executive 
     director and chief executive officer of the American 
     Geophysical Union.

                          ____________________