I 
113TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 1891 
To establish a position of Science Laureate of the United States. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 8, 2013 
Ms. LOFGREN (for herself, Mr. SMITH of Texas, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN-
SON of Texas, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. PETERS of California, Mr. SWALWELL 
of California, Mr. VEASEY, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. TAKANO, 
Ms. ESTY, Mr. KILMER, Mr. KENNEDY, Ms. BROWNLEY of California, 
Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. BERA of California, and Ms. WILSON of Florida) 
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology 
A BILL 
To establish a position of Science Laureate of the United 
States. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Science Laureates of 
the United States Act of 2013’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds the following: 
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(1) Scientific research and advancement has 
driven success in the United States and global suc-
cess for centuries. 
(2) Scientific research has saved, improved, and 
extended lives, increased the standard of living, ex-
panded economic opportunity, and advanced human 
understanding. 
(3) Such research holds the promise of con-
tinuing this progress, protecting the environment, 
creating jobs, growing the economy through innova-
tive ideas and discoveries, and generally advancing 
all mankind. 
(4) People in the United States can benefit 
when scientific research is conducted and commu-
nicated in a transparent manner to better inform 
citizens about the nature and status of such re-
search. 
(5) Scientific education is a critical element of 
preparing our Nation and our citizens for a tech-
nology-intensive future and ensuring that the United 
States remains the world leader in innovation and 
high-tech success. 
(6) A spokesperson who can embody, dem-
onstrate, and articulate the importance and excite-
ment of scientific research and education will help 
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improve the current and future state of science to 
the benefit of all people in the United States. 
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCIENCE LAUREATES OF THE 
UNITED STATES. 
(a) POSITION ESTABLISHED.—Congress recognizes 
that science contributes to the economic prosperity and 
general welfare of the United States, and that increasing 
the public’s awareness about the sciences will increase 
such benefits. Congress also recognizes that scientists who 
are both accomplished in their fields and who foster the 
public’s interest in science do a special service to the 
United States. To honor their service and to further in-
crease the public’s awareness about the sciences, there is 
established the position of Science Laureate of the United 
States. 
(b) APPOINTMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall appoint 
a Science Laureate on the basis of— 
(A) merit, particularly the ability of an in-
dividual to— 
(i) foster and enhance public aware-
ness and interest in science; and 
(ii) provide ongoing significant sci-
entific contributions; and 
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(B) recommendations received from the 
National Academy of Sciences, based on the 
factors described in subparagraph (A). 
(2) VARIETY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES.—The 
President shall strive to choose for the position of 
Science Laureate of the United States individuals, in 
different years, from different scientific disciplines, 
including biology, physics, geosciences, astronomy, 
mathematics, chemistry, and other science dis-
ciplines. 
(3) NUMBER OF APPOINTMENTS.—The Presi-
dent may, in exceptional circumstances, appoint 
more than 1, but not more than 3 Science Laureates 
to serve simultaneously in the position of Science 
Laureate of the United States. 
(c) DUTIES.—Each Science Laureate shall engage 
the public, from time to time, to increase the public’s 
awareness about science. A Science Laureate is encour-
aged to continue the Science Laureate’s scientific work. 
The National Academy of Sciences shall facilitate the du-
ties of a Science Laureate. 
(d) LIMITATION.—The Science Laureate position 
shall not have the effect of duplicating or superseding the 
role of the President’s Science Advisor. 
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(e) TERM.—Each Science Laureate shall serve a 1- 
year or 2-year term, as determined by the President. A 
Science Laureate may be reappointed for additional terms. 
(f) COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT.— 
(1) COMPENSATION.—A Science Laureate shall 
serve without pay and shall not be considered to be 
a Federal employee based on such individual’s ap-
pointment as a Science Laureate. 
(2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAVEL.—The Na-
tional Academy of Sciences may in its discretion 
provide a Science Laureate with reimbursement for 
travel expenses incurred while performing duties as 
a Science Laureate, including per diem in lieu of 
subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions 
in the same manner as persons employed intermit-
tently in the Government service are allowed ex-
penses under section 5703 of title 5, United States 
Code. 
Æ 
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