WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), co-chairs of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing October 18-24 as National Chemistry Week to celebrate chemistry’s important role in addressing critical challenges around the world.
National Chemistry Week is designed to inspire young people, especially women and members of underrepresented groups, to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and pursue careers in science-related fields. Senator Coons has introduced the National Chemistry Week resolution in previous years.
“Delaware has always been a place of innovation, especially in chemistry,” said Senator Coons. “This year’s National Chemistry Week theme of ‘Chemistry Under Construction’ reminds us of the crucial role chemistry plays in making our world more secure, from the buildings in which we live to the roads and bridges on which we drive, while growing our economy in Delaware and across the nation.”
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in this resolution to once again designate National Chemistry Week. The chemical industry represents the largest manufacturing sector in West Virginia, and this week will always be an important celebration for our state. This resolution highlights the many contributions that the chemical industry has brought to our communities and the ample opportunities that young West Virginians can find in this field. I will continue my efforts in the U.S. Senate to support our chemical industry and to increase opportunities for West Virginians to pursue meaningful careers in STEM,” said Senator Capito.
“Chemistry is essential to our everyday lives, from driving breakthroughs in healthcare and technology, to bolstering our economy and creating good-paying jobs,” said Senator Peters. “I am proud to again help lead this bipartisan resolution commemorating National Chemistry Week, which celebrates the critical achievements of chemists nationwide and encourages students to pursue careers in STEM.”
National Chemistry Week is a community-based program of the American Chemical Society that unites students, professional communities, businesses, schools, and individuals to communicate the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. This year’s National Chemistry Week theme is “Chemistry Under Construction.”
The text of the resolution is available here.