H. Res. 793 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

October 20, 2009. 

Whereas chemistry is a vitally important field of science and 

technology that has transformed the world and improved 

the quality of life around the globe; 

Whereas the chemical sciences have created an infrastructure 

that delivers the foods, fuels, medicines, and materials 

that are the hallmarks of modern life; 

Whereas the contributions of chemical scientists and engineers are central to technological progress and to the 

health of many industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, electronics, agricultural, automotive, and 

aerospace industries, and these contributions boost economic growth, create new jobs, and improve health and 

standards of living; 

Whereas, in order to foster the innovation that will ensure 

the Nation’s global competitiveness, schools must cultivate the finest scientists, engineers, and technicians 

from every background and neighborhood, with a particular focus on increasing access to science, technology, 

engineering, and math education for Latinos, AfricanAmericans, women, and other underrepresented students 

in these fields; 
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•HRES 793 EH 

Whereas National Chemistry Week was established in 1987 

by the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest 

scientific society, to enhance public appreciation of the 

chemical sciences and to educate the public, particularly 

school-age children, about the important role of chemistry 

in everyday life; 

Whereas 2009 marks the 140th anniversary of Dmitri 

Mendeleev’s creation of the Periodic Table of the Elements; 

Whereas the theme of National Chemistry Week in 2009, 

‘‘Chemistry—It’s Elemental’’, was chosen to raise public 

awareness about the importance of chemistry and the 

chemical sciences by emphasizing that the elements, 

forming the basis of the universe, play an integral role 

in daily life; 

Whereas many common elements, such as copper in electrical 

wires, neon in lights, sodium in table salt, and aluminum 

in soda cans, are tangibly present in everyday life; 

Whereas more than 10,000 volunteers from industry, government, and academia will observe National Chemistry 

Week during the week of October 18, 2009, by conducting hands-on science activities with millions of children in local schools, libraries, and museums; and 

Whereas National Chemistry Week volunteers will help provide resources to science educators across the country, 

promote community events for recycling common elemental items such as aluminum cans, encourage students 

to explore creative representations of the elements in the 

Periodic Table, and generally act as ‘‘chemistry ambassadors’’ who emphasize the importance and contributions 

of chemistry to daily life: Now, therefore, be it 
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•HRES 793 EH 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) recognizes that the contributions of chemical 

scientists and engineers have created new jobs, boosted 

economic growth, and improved the Nation’s health and 

standard of living; 

(2) supports the goals and ideals of National Chemistry Week; and 

(3) encourages the people of the United States to 

observe National Chemistry Week with appropriate recognition, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of chemistry to everyday life. 

Attest: 

Clerk.