H. Con. Res. 108 Agreed to May 9, 2001

One Hundred Seventh Congress

of the

United States of America

AT THE FIRST SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,

the third day of January, two thousand and one

Concurrent Resolution

Whereas Congress created the National Science Foundation in 1950

to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health,

prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the national defense;

Whereas the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 was signed

into law by President Harry S Truman on May 10, 1950;

Whereas the National Science Foundation strengthens the economy

and improves the quality of life in the United States as the

Federal Government’s only agency dedicated to the support of

education and fundamental research in all scientific and

engineering disciplines;

Whereas the National Science Foundation has worked continuously

and successfully to ensure that the United States maintains

its leadership in discovery, learning, and innovation in the

sciences, mathematics, and engineering;

Whereas the National Science Foundation has supported the

research of more than half of the United States Nobel laureates

in physics, chemistry, and economics;

Whereas the National Science Foundation has been the lead Federal

agency in a number of national science initiatives, such as those

in information technology and nanotechnology;

Whereas the National Science Foundation funds almost 20,000

research and education projects in science and engineering at

over 2,000 colleges and universities, elementary and secondary

schools, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses throughout

our Nation;

Whereas the National Science Foundation’s innovative education

programs work to ensure that every American student receives

a solid foundation in science, technology, and mathematics

through support for the training and education of teachers, the

public, and students of all ages and backgrounds, and by supporting research into new teaching tools, curricula, and methodologies;

Whereas the programs funded by the National Science Foundation

are an exemplary demonstration of the value of scientific peer

review in selecting the most innovative and technically excellent

research activities using a network of over 50,000 scientists and

engineers each year;

Whereas the National Science Foundation’s international programs

promote new partnerships and cooperative projects between
H. Con. Res. 108—2

United States scientists and engineers and their foreign colleagues, and such partnerships play a key role in establishing

and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties; and

Whereas research supported by the National Science Foundation

has led to discoveries, technologies, and products which affect

our daily lives, including a greater understanding of bacteria,

viruses, and the structure of DNA; medical diagnostic tools, such

as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); the Internet, web

browsers, and fiber optics, which have revolutionized global

communication; polymer materials used in products ranging from

clothing to automobiles; Doppler radar used for accurate weather

forecasting; artificial skin that can help recovering burn victims;

economic research in game and decision theory which has led

to a greater understanding of economic cycles; and discoveries

of new planets, black holes, and insights into the nature of

the universe: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress—

(1) recognizes the significance of the anniversary of the

founding of the National Science Foundation;

(2) acknowledges the completion of 50 years of achievement

and service by the National Science Foundation to the United

States; and

(3) reaffirms its commitment for the next 50 years to support research, education, and technological advancement and

discovery through the National Science Foundation, the premier

scientific agency in the Federal Government.

Attest:

Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Attest:

Secretary of the Senate.