Lipinski and Moolenaar Announce New Congressional Chemistry Caucus

Press Release

Today, Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI) announced the formation of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus.

The Congressional Chemistry Caucus will serve as an informal group of members dedicated to issues related to the transformative science of chemistry. The mission of the bipartisan caucus is to educate members of Congress and the public about the benefits of chemistry in today's society and the importance of sound science in public policy. The Caucus will also strive to promote and advance policies aimed at encouraging today's students to become the chemists of tomorrow.

Congressman Lipinski and Congressman Moolenaar issued the following statement:

"Every day, Americans use products that have been created and improved by the science of chemistry. Chemistry has made America a world leader in research and innovation and it employs more than 800,000 Americans with good-paying jobs. As co-chairs of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, we are honored that 12 colleagues have joined us in a bipartisan effort to form the nucleus of this caucus.

"It is our hope that this caucus will be a good resource for getting the word out about different aspects of chemistry and the chemical industry, while also increasing the public's understanding of chemistry and promoting the importance of STEM education."

Co-Chair Backgrounds

Lipinski is a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. As a former teacher, he has pushed for improvements in STEM education throughout his career.

Moolenaar has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He is also a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and has supported STEM education initiatives as a member of Congress and previously in the Michigan legislature.

Members of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus

The other members of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus are Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL), Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA), Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), Congressman Jeff Denham (R-CA), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman Richard Hanna (R-NY), Congressman Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA), Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN).

Support for the Congressional Chemistry Caucus

The leadership of the American Chemistry Council, the American Chemical Society, and the National Association of Chemical Distributors released the following statements:

"We pledge to work with our colleagues in the chemistry enterprise, and members of the caucus, to advance responsible and balanced policy to help facilitate the growth of the chemistry enterprise and boost investment in federal research and development, foster innovation, improve STEM education, facilitate advanced manufacturing and protect the environment. Chemistry is the central science that is unlocking solutions to global challenges and our members are those global solution providers."

-- Thomas Connelly Jr., American Chemical Society Director and CEO, Ph.D.

"The U.S. business of chemistry is facing a historic opportunity for new growth that we haven't seen in a generation. Thanks to the shale-energy boom, so far $164 billion in announced new capital spending could lead to $105 billion per year in new chemical industry output and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the U.S. economy. Our member companies are investing billions of dollars to keep this momentum going, but the right policies are essential for our industry to fully realize its potential as an engine of innovation, economic growth, and new jobs. The newly formed Chemistry Caucus can play an instrumental role to make sure that Congress appreciates the essential nature of chemistry and does its part to foster this resurgence."

-- Calvin M. Dooley, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council

"Chemical distribution companies process, formulate, blend, re-package, warehouse, transport, and market chemical products for 750,000 customers, generate $30 billion in economic output, and employ more than 70,000 workers. As an industry all too aware of the impactful role of chemistry in the U.S. economy, it is vital that lawmakers create policies that foster innovation while also investing in our future workforce through STEM education initiatives. The Congressional Chemistry Caucus will serve as the vehicle to bring policymakers together to make meaningful decisions about these issues."

-- Eric Beyer, President of the National Association of Chemical Distributors

Source