Press Releases

Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), and Haley Stevens (D-MI) today introduced a resolution commemorating the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) accomplishments in science, engineering, and education over the past 75 years. Since its creation in 1950, the NSF has supported cutting-edge science and engineering projects across the country in addition to fostering scientific collaboration across the globe. Its hallmark accomplishments include helping catalyze the creation of the internet, and advancing technology for MRI machines, 3–D printing, and artificial intelligence. 

“The NSF supports 350,000 researchers, students, teachers, and entrepreneurs every year, driving innovation for critical technologies like artificial intelligence and revolutionary breakthroughs like LASIK eye surgery. This is the agency behind countless scientific advancements that have improved the lives of millions of Americans and people across the world,” said Rep. Beyer. “At a time when global scientific competition continues to grow and our national security increasingly depends on technological leadership, we should be strengthening NSF investments. Supporting the NSF means supporting America’s health, economy, and national security.”

“Fo 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been a driving force behind America’s leadership in science and technology,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Its commitment to advancing fundamental research has laid the groundwork for countless innovations that improve lives, power our economy, and expand the frontiers of human knowledge.”

“I'm proud to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle in celebrating 75 years of the National Science Foundation,” said Rep. Foster. “As Congress' only PhD physicist, I'll continue doing everything I can to fully fund NSF and all of our science agencies to ensure that we remain a global leader in research and innovation for generations to come.” 

“The National Science Foundation has delivered real results for communities across our country over its 75-year history,” said Rep. Franklin. “In Florida, NSF-backed research has strengthened our universities, supported high-tech industries and prepared students for the STEM jobs of tomorrow. I’m proud to help lead this resolution recognizing NSF’s direct role in fueling innovation, growing our economy and keeping both Florida and the U.S. competitive on the global stage.”

“For 75 years, the National Science Foundation has been the bedrock of American discovery, empowering generations of researchers and providing STEM opportunity to students across the country. In Michigan, the NSF’s impact is felt in every lab, on every shop floor, and in every classroom,” said Rep. Stevens. “As we celebrate this incredible history, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals that NSF was founded upon—to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure our national defense. That mission is as urgent today as it was in 1950, and Michigan's future depends on seeing it through for the next 75 years.”

Full text of the resolution is available here.