(Washington, DC) – House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas released a statement today commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the National Science Foundation (NSF). 
 
“There is no better example of the importance of focusing our investments on basic research than the NSF. For 70 years, NSF has helped make America the world leader in science, research, and technology. The basic research funded by NSF is the foundation for incredible technological breakthroughs—helping develop everything from the internet to the first-ever image of a black hole. NSF is the only federal agency that supports basic research across all scientific fields, providing a training ground for scientists, researchers, and engineers, and helping to build the American STEM workforce. 
 
“Today NSF is focusing its efforts on the novel coronavirus. NSF-funded discoveries are what now allow us to do clinical testing for the virus. NSF is awarding Rapid Response Research Grants to scientists combatting COVID-19. And as part of the COVID High-Performance Computing Consortium, NSF is giving researchers the supercomputing resources needed to do complex modeling of the virus and its spread. 
 
“I appreciate all the work NSF is doing to fight COVID-19 and keep America safe and healthy. And I’d like to congratulate all the people at NSF who have contributed to 70 years of scientific advancements. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”