SENATE RESOLUTION 460--CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION ON THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 206
(Senate - December 19, 2019)
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[Pages S7213-S7214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 460--CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION ON
THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL
Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following
[[Page S7214]]
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 460
Whereas, in December 1919, the National Research Council
organized the American Geophysical Union--
(1) to represent the United States in the International
Union of Geodesy and Geophysics of the International Research
Council; and
(2) to serve as the Committee on Geophysics of the National
Research Council to promote work in the fields of astronomy,
geodesy, geology, meteorology, seismology, terrestrial
electricity and magnetism, and volcanology;
Whereas, in 1972, the American Geophysical Union was
incorporated as an independent organization;
Whereas, in 2019, the American Geophysical Union has more
than 60,000 members in 137 countries;
Whereas the mission of the American Geophysical Union is to
promote discovery in Earth and space sciences for the benefit
of humanity;
Whereas Earth and space sciences are international
endeavors that transform human understanding of the planet,
from the core through the atmosphere of the planet and into
the universe beyond;
Whereas Earth and space sciences drive basic and applied
research that has led to critical health, environmental,
commercial, and technological breakthroughs that have
inspired individuals throughout the world, strengthened
economies, and raised standards of living;
Whereas Earth and space sciences help individuals--
(1) understand and formulate solutions for the critical
challenges facing the planet;
(2) become better stewards of natural resources, such as
energy, water, and minerals, for current and future
generations; and
(3) comprehend and mitigate the effects of terrestrial,
manmade, and space disasters, which protects communities
worldwide;
Whereas Earth and space sciences are critical components of
a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (in
this preamble referred to as ``STEAM'') education and inspire
students of all ages to become citizen scientists and future
leaders in STEAM fields;
Whereas Earth and space sciences seek to discover the
origins of humanity, the planet, and the universe, and are a
source of awe for past, current, and future generations; and
Whereas December 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the
establishment of the American Geophysical Union: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) congratulates the American Geophysical Union on the
occasion of its centennial;
(2) supports increasing the understanding of and interest
in Earth and space sciences at the local, national, and
international levels;
(3) encourages the scientific community to engage in public
outreach so that individuals of all ages and backgrounds gain
a better understanding of and appreciation for the value of
Earth and space sciences to daily life and quality of life;
(4) expresses support for the free and open exchange of
ideas in Earth and space sciences;
(5) recognizes the important role of governments in
fostering Earth and space scientific research, including
contributing to higher-risk and longer-term investigations
and providing funding for the basic and applied research
necessary for human welfare;
(6) encourages international cooperation in efforts
relating to Earth and space sciences to foster the global
exchange of knowledge and collaboration among scientists
worldwide for the benefit of humanity; and
(7) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate
transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the executive
director and chief executive officer of the American
Geophysical Union.
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