Newman, Foster, Durbin, Duckworth Introduce Resolution Honoring the 75th Anniversary of Argonne National Laboratory

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Marie Newman (D-IL-03) and Bill Foster (D-IL-11) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) were proud to introduce a resolution to congratulate and honor Argonne National Laboratory on its 75th anniversary. For more than seven decades, the scientists, engineers and researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have broken barriers, accomplished milestones and uncovered monumental discoveries in energy that have benefited not only Illinois but our entire planet.

"For the past 75 years, Argonne National Laboratory has contributed immensely to Illinois' Third District, and I am so grateful to have this hub of scientific leadership in our own backyard," said Congresswoman Newman. "On their 75th Anniversary, it is only fitting that Argonne National Laboratory receive congressional commendation for their legacy of innovation and excellence. As we face the challenges of a changing climate, their work continues to be crucial to ensure we have the tools to build a safer and more prosperous future for our children."

"It is an honor to be able to represent Argonne National Lab alongside Congresswoman Newman. Argonne's 16 research divisions, 12 centers, and six national user facilities, whose research ranges from advanced computing efforts to combatting COVID-19, make it a true leader in our federal scientific infrastructure," said Congressman Foster. "Argonne has spent the last 75 years driving the scientific and technical innovation that keeps our country moving forward, and I look forward to the incredible work it will continue to produce in the years to come."

"All Illinoisans should take great pride in the fact that one of the most powerful and productive science and engineering centers in the world is located in our home state. This resolution recognizes the incredible work Argonne's scientists, engineers, and support personnel have accomplished over the past 75 years. This is a historic milestone and our nation is grateful that Argonne and Illinois remain at the forefront of discovery," said Senator Durbin.

"I'm proud to join my colleagues in commending and honoring 75 years of innovation and scientific discovery by Argonne National Laboratory," said Senator Duckworth. "Argonne is one of Illinois's crown jewels of scientific innovation, and our state and country is better off because of the incredible work that the dedicated scientists and engineers at Argonne are doing. I will continue to do all I can to support their work to ensure the success of our laboratories and keep our nation at the forefront of scientific research."

Since its founding in 1942, Argonne has been at the cutting edge of scientific innovation, from performing the first ultrasound in 1957 to pioneering electric vehicle technology. Argonne has grown into a multidisciplinary laboratory with 3,400 employees and continues tackling challenges in areas ranging from energy storage to quantum science to artificial intelligence. This resolution honors their contributions to Illinois and the country as a whole through their groundbreaking scientific innovation.

"It is a privilege to celebrate Argonne's 75th anniversary with our Illinois communities. Their ongoing support, along with the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Chicago and other institutions of higher education, companies, and American taxpayers, empowers the laboratory to accelerate the science and technology that drive U.S. prosperity and security," said Paul Kearns, Laboratory Director of Argonne National Laboratory. "Thank you, Senators Durbin and Duckworth and Representatives Foster and Newman, for recognizing Argonne's 75 years of scientific leadership. As the nation addresses complex challenges facing society, such as climate change and cybersecurity, Argonne will continue to provide the technology, tools, and talent that will lead to a brighter future for all."

Today's resolution from Representatives Newman and Foster and Senators Durbin and Duckworth celebrates the decorated legacy of Argonne National Laboratory and the decades ahead of cutting-edge scientific research and progress in the future. The House resolution can be found here.