Congressman Randy Hultgren (R-IL) and Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-MA) introduced a bipartisan House resolution today designating the last week of April as National Science Week. National Science Week will coincide with the biennial USA Science & Engineering Festival, a nationwide meeting of educators, government agencies, private industry, non-profit organizations and other stakeholders in the science community.
"Scientific investment in our nation can be traced back to George Washington's first State of the Union address, where he stressed that nothing can more deserve the support of Congress than our investment in science. From the moon landing to the human genome project, the United States has an exceptional legacy in scientific exploration, and from agriculture to health care, the vast majority of our economic gains have come from public and private investments in science," said Congressman Hultgren.
Adding, "This bipartisan bill, celebrating the biennial USA Science & Engineering Festival, and inviting state and local governments to recognize the last week in April as National Science Week, shows Congress's strong support for science and American leadership in innovation and I'm proud to work with my bipartisan colleague Congressman Joe Kennedy on this important resolution."
"National Science Week is an opportunity for our country to recognize the role science and engineering will play in this country's economic future," said Congressman Kennedy. "As we try to prepare our workforce for the demands of a global economy, our efforts around science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education are more critical than ever. This resolution helps underscore our government's commitment to the students, workers and industries that will drive future growth."
The Resolution (H. Res. 276) supports the goals and ideals of National Science Week and of the biennial USA Science & Engineering Festival. It invites local and state government to recognize the last week in April as National Science week. For more information about the USA Science and Engineering Festival, click here.
Congressman Hultgren is a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology. He is a co-founder and leading member of the Science and National Labs Caucus which was formed to help raise awareness of the role federal investment in research and the national laboratories plays in advancing our National interests. The 14th Congressional District is home to Fermilab, one of our 19 outstanding national laboratories and a global leader in basic scientific research.