Title: Expressing support for designation of the week of October 4, 2017, through October 10, 2017, as World Space Week and for the designation of the week of October 8, 2017, through October 14, 2017, as Earth Science Week.
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
Expresses support for the designation of World Space Week and Earth Science Week.
Recognizes the importance of: (1) international cooperation in space missions and outreach and education in advancing our knowledge and discovery of new worlds; and (2) education and public outreach efforts to ensure that the U.S. public gains a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the impact of the earth sciences on their daily lives.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 566 Introduced in House (IH)]

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115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 566

  Expressing support for designation of the week of October 4, 2017, 
 through October 10, 2017, as World Space Week and for the designation 
  of the week of October 8, 2017, through October 14, 2017, as Earth 
                             Science Week.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 10, 2017

Mr. Polis (for himself, Mr. Lipinski, and Mrs. Comstock) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, 
 Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education 
 and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 
  Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
           within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing support for designation of the week of October 4, 2017, 
 through October 10, 2017, as World Space Week and for the designation 
  of the week of October 8, 2017, through October 14, 2017, as Earth 
                             Science Week.

Whereas this year marks the 18th annual international World Space Week, 
        designated by the United Nations to celebrate the contributions of space 
        science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of 
        mankind;
Whereas this year marks the 20th annual international Earth Science Week, 
        designated by the American Geosciences Institute to help the public gain 
        a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to 
        encourage stewardship of the Earth;
Whereas the theme for World Space Week 2017, ``Exploring New Worlds in Space'', 
        focuses on astrobiology missions, feats of engineering, and efforts of 
        NewSpace actors and other entities with a vision for exploration and 
        utilization of extraterrestrial resources as inspirations to the world;
Whereas the theme for Earth Science Week 2017, ``Earth and Human Activity'', 
        promotes public understanding and stewardship of the planet, especially 
        in terms of the ways people affect and are affected by Earth's systems;
Whereas the study of Earth sciences leads to an improved understanding of the 
        Earth's natural systems and the interplay between human society and 
        these systems;
Whereas the Earth sciences provide the basis for mitigating natural hazards such 
        as droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, coastal erosion, hurricanes, 
        and landslides;
Whereas the Earth and space sciences contribute to our understanding of Earth as 
        a planet in our solar system and the universe;
Whereas Earth and space science research and technology leads to the development 
        of innovative new technologies and industries that fuel the American 
        economy and improve our quality of life;
Whereas Earth and space science researchers and educators drive creativity and 
        passion for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) 
        fields among students of all ages through diverse and innovative 
        education and public outreach efforts;
Whereas Earth and space scientists and researchers in our Nation's labs, 
        universities, research institutions, and Federal agencies, including the 
        U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration (NOAA), the National Park Service, the National Science 
        Foundation, and the Department of Energy, continually push the frontiers 
        of human knowledge of the universe, help develop and incubate the 
        concepts and programs that keep United States companies and industries 
        at the innovative forefront of the world's economy, and inspire future 
        generations of researchers, scientists, and informed citizens;
Whereas the space sciences and technology make vital contributions to our 
        understanding of the universe and provide benefits to our home planet; 
        and
Whereas the Earth sciences make vital contributions to our understanding of, and 
        respect for, nature and our home planet: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of World Space Week and the 
        designation of Earth Science Week;
            (2) expresses strong support for the goals and ideals of 
        World Space Week and its aims to increase understanding of, and 
        interest in, space sciences and technology at the local, State, 
        national, and international levels;
            (3) expresses strong support for the goals and ideals of 
        Earth Science Week and its aims to increase understanding of, 
        and interest in, Earth science at the local, State, national, 
        and international levels;
            (4) recognizes the importance of international cooperation 
        in space missions and outreach and education in furthering our 
        knowledge and discovery of new worlds;
            (5) recognizes the importance of education and public 
        outreach efforts to ensure that the United States public gains 
        a better understanding and appreciation for the impact of the 
        Earth sciences on their daily lives;
            (6) encourages K-12 students to participate in local, 
        State, and national events in connection with World Space Week 
        and to get involved in the celebration by exploring academic 
        applications of and opportunities in space science and 
        technology;
            (7) encourages K-12 students to participate in local, 
        State, and national events in connection with Earth Science 
        Week and to get involved in the celebration by exploring 
        artistic and academic applications of Earth science;
            (8) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        World Space Week with appropriate activities to gain a better 
        understanding and appreciation for the space sciences and 
        technology and their contributions to society; and
            (9) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        Earth Science Week with appropriate activities to gain a better 
        understanding and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to 
        encourage stewardship of the Earth.
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