The Science Coalition Honors Congressman John Culberson (R-TX) for Commitment to Maintaining America’s Leadership in Scientific Research
Washington, DC, October 21, 2014 –The Science Coalition today presented Congressman John Culberson with its Champion of Science Award in recognition of his commitment to funding the basic research that keeps the United States and the state of Texas at the forefront of scientific and medical discovery and technological innovation.
Kathy Banks, vice chancellor for engineering for the Texas A&M University System and dean of the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University, and Kate Miller, dean of the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University, presented the award to Congressman Culberson at an event at Stress Engineering in Houston. Stress Engineering, founded by a Texas A&M graduate, provides engineering services for a broad range of industries. The company counts almost 70 A&M graduates among its employees. The Congressman toured the facilities with Stress Engineering founder and president, Joe Fowler, prior to the ceremony. The Science Coalition has two members in Texas, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin.
“We are pleased to honor Congressman Culberson for his commitment to the federally funded research enterprise at universities across the nation,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. “Since serving together in the State legislature, I’ve known John to be both fiscally responsible and visionary. He has continued that balance in Washington where he recognizes the impact of agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation on our nation’s competitive advantage and economic development at home.”
“Congressman Culberson understands the importance of fundamental research to the nation’s economic growth and wellbeing,” said Texas A&M Interim President Mark Hussey. “His genuine interest and support of science and technology has helped make it possible for researchers at Texas A&M and throughout the nation to address the country’s important and challenging problems. This recognition is aptly named: He is a science champion for Texas and the nation.”
During his 14 years in Congress, Rep. Culberson has proven himself to be a staunch advocate for space exploration and planetary science. He was a founding member of the Bipartisan House NASA Action Team, organized to advance and protect funding for the agency, and a supporter of the National Academy of Science’s decadal surveys on planetary science. His support for research, however, extends beyond NASA. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS), Congressman Culberson also has supported funding for the National Science Foundation. And, over his past two terms, he has sponsored or co-sponsored more than 10 pieces of legislation aimed at advancing medical research in such areas as diabetes, cancer and muscular dystrophy.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by The Science Coalition and great universities like Texas A&M and UT-Austin as they continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and discovery. Advances in science and technology are at the heart of our economic growth and dynamism - from oil fields to operating rooms to outer space, support for scientific research and development has improved the lives of people throughout Texas and the country,” said Culberson. “Maintaining federal funding for scientific research is one of my highest priorities in my role on the House Appropriations Committee. Today’s students need to know that research dollars will be there for them so that they can continue their important work after they graduate.”
“Congressman Culberson recognizes the tremendous return on investment of federally funded research,” said Science Coalition President Jon Pyatt. “Whether through increased knowledge, cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, or cures for diseases, he sees that research advances our position in the world and enhances our economy.”
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 Culberson joins a distinguished group of more than 60 current and former members of Congress who have received this award since 1999.