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04 May 2017
The Optical Society Applauds Congress Supporting Science in 2017 Appropriations Bill
4 May 2017
The Optical Society Applauds Congress Supporting Science in 2017 Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON —The Optical Society (OSA) issued the following statement on the passage of the Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations bill by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The bill keeps critical funding for various science agencies at or near levels approved by appropriation subcommittees last year. The approved appropriations bill provides discretionary funding for the federal government through its year-end, September 2017, and will now go to President Trump for signature.
"Research funded by our national science agencies keep the United States on the forefront of scientific discovery and competitive in the global marketplace,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “The appropriations bill passed by the House and Senate keeps vital funding in place for key federal agencies such as the National Institute of Health and the Advanced Research Projects Agency at the Department of Energy. On behalf of The Optical Society, I would like to thank members of Congress for passing this bill and we urge the President to approve it.”
The Optical Society joined other members of the National Photonics Initiative (NPI) at the Science, Engineering and Technology Congressional Visits Day (CVD) in April. OSA members met with Senators and Representatives from their home districts to discuss the economic impact optics and photonics have in their region. In addition, members promoted the increasingly vital role that optics and photonics technologies play in health care, infrastructure, defense, education, energy, national security and advanced manufacturing.
A list of the science-related federal agencies and their proposed funding levels are available on The Optical Society’s Washington Updates page. With the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill signed, Congress will now begin work on the 2018 bill. OSA encourages members to keep up to date on the latest legislative and executive actions on our Public Policy page.
About The Optical Society
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit: osa.org.
Media Contacts:
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