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 sup-
porting research into new teaching tools, curricula, and meth-
odologies;
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 col-
leagues, 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 concur-
ring), 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 sup-
port 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.