III 

116TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 460 

Congratulating the American Geophysical Union on the occasion of its 

centennial. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

DECEMBER 19, 2019 

Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Ms. MURKOWSKI) submitted the following 

resolution; which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Congratulating the American Geophysical Union on the 

occasion of its centennial. 

Whereas, in December 1919, the National Research Council 

organized the American Geophysical Union— 

(1) to represent the United States in the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics of the International Research Council; and 

(2) to serve as the Committee on Geophysics of the 

National Research Council to promote work in the fields 

of astronomy, geodesy, geology, meteorology, seismology, 

terrestrial electricity and magnetism, and volcanology; 

Whereas, in 1972, the American Geophysical Union was incorporated as an independent organization; 

Whereas, in 2019, the American Geophysical Union has more 

than 60,000 members in 137 countries; 


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•SRES 460 ATS 

Whereas the mission of the American Geophysical Union is 

to promote discovery in Earth and space sciences for the 

benefit of humanity; 

Whereas Earth and space sciences are international endeavors that transform human understanding of the planet, 

from the core through the atmosphere of the planet and 

into the universe beyond; 

Whereas Earth and space sciences drive basic and applied research that has led to critical health, environmental, commercial, and technological breakthroughs that have inspired individuals throughout the world, strengthened 

economies, and raised standards of living; 

Whereas Earth and space sciences help individuals— 

(1) understand and formulate solutions for the critical challenges facing the planet; 

(2) become better stewards of natural resources, 

such as energy, water, and minerals, for current and future generations; and 

(3) comprehend and mitigate the effects of terrestrial, manmade, and space disasters, which protects communities worldwide; 

Whereas Earth and space sciences are critical components of 

a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics 

(in this preamble referred to as ‘‘STEAM’’) education 

and inspire students of all ages to become citizen scientists and future leaders in STEAM fields; 

Whereas Earth and space sciences seek to discover the origins of humanity, the planet, and the universe, and are 

a source of awe for past, current, and future generations; 

and 


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•SRES 460 ATS 

Whereas December 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the 

establishment of the American Geophysical Union: Now, 

therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) congratulates the American Geophysical 

3 Union on the occasion of its centennial; 

4 (2) supports increasing the understanding of 

5 and interest in Earth and space sciences at the local, 

6 national, and international levels; 

7 (3) encourages the scientific community to en8 gage in public outreach so that individuals of all 

9 ages and backgrounds gain a better understanding 

10 of and appreciation for the value of Earth and space 

11 sciences to daily life and quality of life; 

12 (4) expresses support for the free and open ex13 change of ideas in Earth and space sciences; 

14 (5) recognizes the important role of govern15 ments in fostering Earth and space scientific re16 search, including contributing to higher-risk and 

17 longer-term investigations and providing funding for 

18 the basic and applied research necessary for human 

19 welfare; 

20 (6) encourages international cooperation in ef21 forts relating to Earth and space sciences to foster 

22 the global exchange of knowledge and collaboration 


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•SRES 460 ATS 

1 among scientists worldwide for the benefit of hu2 manity; and 

3 (7) respectfully requests that the Secretary of 

4 the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolu5 tion to the executive director and chief executive of6 ficer of the American Geophysical Union. 

Æ 


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