Wolf Joins Congressional Research And Development Caucus

Contact: Jill Shatzen
(202) 225-5136

WOLF JOINS CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CAUCUS

Washington, D.C. (January 25, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) announced today he will serve as co-chairman of the House Congressional Research and Development Caucus.  Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) will serve as the other co-chairman.

Wolf’s co-chairmanship is the latest in his long history of supporting federal research and development.  As chairman of the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) Appropriations subcommittee, Wolf has worked hard to ensure that America remains competitive in the 21st century by increasing federal dollars toward basic science research. Under Wolf’s leadership, National Science Foundation (NSF) funding is at an all-time high.

Recognizing that America’s position as the world’s leader in technology and innovation is facing unprecedented challenges from countries like China, Wolf called for -- and succeeded in -- devoting more federal dollars toward basic science research.  He also proposed legislation to provide interest-free loans to math, engineering and physical science majors as a way to entice more students into the sciences.  

The Science Coalition, an alliance of more than 400 organizations, institutions and individuals dedicated to promoting U.S. leadership in the sciences, awarded Wolf with its prestigious “Champion of Science” award for his efforts.  Further, his language in the FY 2005 appropriations bill helped to create the “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” Commission, the group responsible for producing important policy recommendations to improve science and technology in the United States.  

The Congressional R&D Caucus will continue to convene briefings to highlight the importance of research and development and illuminate the interdependency of research efforts across disciplines to our nation’s future.  The caucus also provides a primary contact for R&D advocacy groups and serves as an education forum for a wide range of issues of interest to the research and business communities.