Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
DOVER, Del. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) sponsored a resolution designating the week beginning October 17, 2021 as National Chemistry Week and recognizing the important role chemistry plays in addressing critical challenges around the world. The resolution—which passed the Senate last week—also notes the importance of encouraging and supporting underrepresented young people to pursue careers in the STEM field. U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) and John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) have introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.
“As a proud chemistry graduate, I am happy to join my colleagues to mark National Chemistry Week and recognize the important role chemistry plays in moving our society forward,” said Senator Coons.“Getting young folks excited about careers in science is critical to keeping the United States competitive on an international stage and to producing scientific innovations that can transform our world.”
“Chemistry is at the heart of many of our nation’s greatest scientific and technological innovations,” said Senator Toomey. “National Chemistry Week encourages young people to pursue education and careers in the STEM fields to pave the way for a new generation of innovators and life-changing ideas. With over 6,000 American Chemical Society members and 36 student chapters at colleges and universities across the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania is making significant contributions to the science and engineering fields.”
“National Chemistry Week offers an opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate the immense value chemistry adds to our society, whether by keeping our families safe and healthy or creating good-paying jobs in Michigan and across the country,” said Senator Peters. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, I was proud to join my colleagues to pass this resolution that recognizes the critical role chemistry plays in keeping our nation competitive and at the forefront of innovation.”
“Chemistry and other STEM fields will be so critical for the next generation of West Virginians,” said Senator Capito. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in designating this year’s National Chemistry Week, and will continue working to increase opportunities for students who pursue careers in this world-changing field.”
“From agriculture to manufacturing, chemistry is fundamental to our way of life in Northwestern and Central Illinois,” said Representative Bustos. “As scientific advancements in chemistry continue to propel us forward, I’m proud to recognize National Chemistry Week and the critical role that chemistry plays in the lives of our family farmers and our local economy.”
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to designate this week as National Chemistry Week. Americans enjoy the benefits of chemistry every day with advances in materials, energy, health care, and more. Chemistry has made America the world leader in research and innovation and it provides thousands of people with good-paying jobs,” said Representative Moolenaar. “National Chemistry Week highlights the applications of chemistry in our lives, and encourages talented young Americans to pursue opportunities in the scientific fields.”
“The American Chemical Society (ACS) is honored to celebrate the 32nd National Chemistry Week and its official designation by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) and Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI-4),” said H.N. Cheng, ACS President. “This ceremonial resolution helps to amplify the work of our members and partners including the Society for Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) to increase access, ensure equity and promote the benefits of chemistry in everyday life. Chemistry provides the tools necessary for solving global health challenges and strengthening our economy now and for future generations, and we are grateful to our bipartisan and bicameral Congressional champions for this effort.”
Learn more about National Chemistry Week here.
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
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