Whereas, on March 26, 1953, American medical scientist Dr. Jonas Salk, announced the development of a vaccine against polio;

Whereas STEM jobs make up 24 percent of the United States economy with over 36,800,000 people working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;

Whereas science leads to knowledge, products, and processes that continually improve many sectors such as economics, manufacturing, education, health, transportation, defense, agriculture, animal welfare, commerce, and others;

Whereas technology leads to innovation, enhanced communication, economic growth, and boosted productivity;

Whereas engineering leads to improved quality of life, infrastructure, and maintaining modern day systems;

Whereas mathematics leads to problem-solving, interpreting data to support strong economics, and driving the United States to be a leader in modern day STEM initiatives;

Whereas at least 18 government departments and agencies rely on a scientifically trained workforce, including—

(1)

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

(2)

the Food and Drug Administration;

(3)

the Environmental Protection Agency;

(4)

the Department of Agriculture;

(5)

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;

(6)

the National Centers for Environmental Information;

(7)

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

(8)

the National Science Foundation;

(9)

the Department of Energy;

(10)

the National Institutes of Health;

(11)

the Department of Education;

(12)

the Defense Technical Information Center;

(13)

the Department of Commerce;

(14)

the United States Forest Service;

(15)

the Department of Homeland Security;

(16)

the United States Geological Survey;

(17)

the Department of Transportation; and

(18)

the Fish and Wildlife Service;

Whereas STEM has provided vaccines, antibiotics, surgery, sanitation, increased agricultural yields, safe drinking water, and other inventions to promote innovation and improve quality of life;

Whereas STEM leads to research breakthroughs, developments in technology, and job growth;

Whereas the United States science and engineering workforce is employed across all sectors and is foundational to the Nation’s knowledge-based economy;

Whereas artificial intelligence presents new opportunities for Americans in both productivity and efficiency;

Whereas accomplishments of the Nation’s scientists impact American’s daily lives and help to protect and keep them safe and secure; and

Whereas a National Science Appreciation Day would provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate American scientific achievements and inspire the next generation to continue this honorable and vital tradition: Now, therefore, be it