[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 375 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 375


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                July 10 (legislative day, July 9), 2008

   Received and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                             Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
To honor the goal of the International Year of Astronomy, and for other 
                               purposes.

Whereas the year 2009 represents the 400th Anniversary of Galileo's astronomical 
        use of the telescope;
Whereas the year 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy 
        (IYA) by the United Nations and UNESCO;
Whereas astronomical observations and discoveries have profound implications for 
        the development of

              

 science, philosophy, culture, and our general conception of our place in 
the Universe;

Whereas astronomy is one of the oldest basic sciences and contributes 
        fundamentally to the ultimate context of all other sciences;
Whereas astronomy and astronomical discoveries continue to capture the 
        imagination of the American people;
Whereas the United States is the home of the most advanced astronomical research 
        in the world;
Whereas the many creative programs and activities planned in the United States 
        for IYA 2009 are strongly supported by the staff, missions, and 
        observatories of the National Science Foundation and the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration;
Whereas science and technology awareness and education play a critical role in 
        the economic success of the United States; and
Whereas the astronomical sciences inspire students to study science, 
        mathematics, engineering, and technology: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) honors the goal of the International Year of Astronomy 
        to celebrate astronomical discoveries;
            (2) encourages the public to participate in IYA 
        celebrations and activities and discover more about the 
        Universe and the science of astronomy; and
            (3) applauds the efforts of the employees, centers, and 
        laboratories of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration and the National Science Foundation in promoting 
        public understanding of the astronomical sciences during the 
        celebration of the International Year of Astronomy.

            Passed the House of Representatives July 9, 2008.

            Attest:

                                            LORRAINE C. MILLER,

                                                                 Clerk.