Representative Chaka Fattah to Receive Champion of Science Award from The Science Coalition
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Science Coalition today announced that it has named Congressman Chaka Fattah a Champion of Science in recognition of his strong commitment to funding the basic scientific research that keeps the United States and the state of Pennsylvania at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
"As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, Congressman Fattah has been a steadfast and vocal advocate for federal research funding," said Science Coalition President Tim Leshan of Northeastern University. "He understands the direct relationship between research-driven innovation and economic growth, national security and health. We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Fattah in maintaining this essential investment in research."
"I am honored to receive this recognition, and I am privileged every day to have the opportunity to work with America's science community on an extraordinary range of priorities," said Fattah. "The progress that remains to be made in areas like neuroscience and STEM education requires that our country redouble its efforts in science, research, and innovation. Through America's FOCUS Act, and by working to strengthen our national research agencies and NASA, I will continue our shared commitment to ensuring the U.S. remains the world leader in science."
The Science Coalition's Champion of Science Award recognizes members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their belief that basic scientific research, conducted at universities and national labs across the country, is essential to the nation's ability to address pressing issues in health, security, energy and the environment, and additionally, that a strong federally supported basic research enterprise drives innovation that fuels the U.S. economy. Congressman Fattah joins a distinguished group of more than 60 current and former members of Congress who have received this award since 1999. The award will be presented to Congressman Fattah early next year.
"In words and in actions, Congressman Fattah has made it his priority to see that the United States maintains our world leadership in innovation, science and engineering," said University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann. "We are extremely pleased to see him being recognized for his commitment to this most important issue."
Since joining Congress, Fattah has been a strong proponent of sustained federal funding for basic scientific research. A passionate advocate for neuroscience research, he played a leading role in developing President Obama's BRAIN Initiative. He also co-founded the Science and National Labs
Caucus, is a member of the Neuroscience Caucus and established the Fattah Neuroscience Initiative (FNI) which aims to coordinate federal research across agencies to promote research and discovery across brain cognition, development, disease and injury.
The Science Coalition, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization of the nation's leading public and private research universities, is dedicated to sustaining strong federal funding of basic scientific research as a means to stimulate the economy, spur innovation and drive America's global competitiveness. Learn more at www.sciencecoalition.org.
SOURCE The Science Coalition
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