Jenniffer González Will Serve on The House Science, Space and Technology Committee

Press Release

Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón was selected to serve in the Science, Space and Technology Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives as informed by the Republican leader in the Committee, Frank Lucas, who also selected Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), who was part of the delegations that visited the island as part of the recovery efforts from hurricanes Irma and María.

"42% of the economy of Puerto Rico comes from the manufacturing and pharmaceuticals industries. Puerto Rico is a development hub for these companies and universities that receive research grants. This Committee will help us boost Puerto Rico's research capacity as it has jurisdiction over agencies that drive research and technology such as the National Science Foundation, "said González-Colón.

After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Congresswoman worked to allocate millions of dollars in federal funds for repairs and improvements to the National Weather Service, meteorological radars, and other structures related to science such as The Arecibo Observatory. These areas have been part of the Congresswoman's top priorities and precisely, this committee has jurisdiction over core agencies operating in Puerto Rico, such as the National Weather Service, Department of Energy, NASA and the National Science Foundation.

A product of the University Gardens school that specializes in science and mathematics in Puerto Rico, the Congresswoman reiterated her commitment to promoting STEM education on the island as well as work on the environment, space, and research among others.

The Committee on Science, Space and Technology has jurisdiction over all research, development and demonstration of energy, and about the corresponding projects, and over all non-military energy laboratories owned or operated by the federal government; research and astronautic development, including resources, personnel, equipment and facilities; research and development in civil aviation; environmental research and development; marine research; commercial application of energy technology; National Institute of Standards and Technology, standardization of weights and measures and the metric system; National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); National Science Foundation; National Weather Service; outer space, including its exploration and control; science scholarships; scientific research, development and demonstration, and projects for this.

"I'm proud to welcome Representatives Herrera Beutler and González-Colón to our Committee," said Ranking Member Frank Lucas. "Both Jaime and Jennifer understand the importance of the Committee's work and how smart investments in basic science can drive innovation and job creation. I'm looking forward to their contributions to the Committee's work on research and development, energy innovation, and STEM education."

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