ICYMI: Hickenlooper, McCormick Celebrate Formation of Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus

In case you missed it, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Dave McCormick joined scientists, researchers, and legislative staff at a kickoff event last week at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the formation of their U.S. Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus.

Watch the highlights of the kickoff event HERE.

"If you were to look at the things that distinguish America, most notable would be our investments in science and the parallel expansion in growth and entrepreneurship at the highest level," said Hickenlooper at the kickoff event last week. "We've led the world in scientific knowledge and expansion in growth, and we've had the economy that comes with that… That's why we're here to make sure we maintain our lead."

"Pennsylvania has some of the best universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the world, and the breakthroughs happening across our Commonwealth are creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and advancing our national security," said McCormick. "This caucus is about making sure we build on that incredible momentum, turn great American research into real-world innovation, and ensure Pennsylvania and the United States continue to lead the world in science and technology."

The Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus will highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. Caucus members will work together with industry leaders and the research community to develop policies that promote U.S. leadership in science. Hickenlooper and McCormick plan to host briefings, engage in roundtables and other conversations about existing and new policies, and provide a venue for discourse about new legislation to boost American scientific research and our STEM workforce.

Watch the launch video for the caucus on Hickenlooper's X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts

The United States has been a global economic leader for the past 50 years because of our dedication to science, technology, and innovation. Federally-funded research led to the invention of optical fibers, microchips, personal computers, mobile phones, robotics, cutting-edge medicine, and more.

• Jobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine make up 34% of the U.S. workforce.
• Economic activity from these fields generates 39% of U.S. GDP - over $10 trillion dollars.
• The United States spends only 3% of its GDP on research and development (R&D) and innovation.
• Federally funded R&D dollars are doubled in returns: every $1 invested generates nearly $2 in economic output. This is substantially higher than the returns on other forms of federal investment.
• China is overtaking the United States in R&D funding, graduating more PhDs in STEM programs, filing more international patents than the U.S., and narrowing the gap on venture capital investment.

Hickenlooper is a former geologist and a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

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