Peters Announces New Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee Assignment
Peters to Serve as Ranking Member of Science, Space, and Competitiveness Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, announced that he has been appointed to serve as Ranking Member on the Science, Space, and Competitiveness Subcommittee. Peters’ leadership role on the subcommittee will continue to promote Michigan’s advanced manufacturing industry, emphasize the high-tech research and development conducted at Michigan’s world-class colleges and universities, and bolster Michigan’s role as a hub for innovation and economic growth in scientific fields.
“Advancements in science, engineering and technology are vital to promoting innovation, continuing our country’s economic security and driving our global competitiveness,” said Senator Peters. “As industries like advanced manufacturing continue to grow in Michigan and across the country, we need to make smart investments that will promote a highly-skilled and competitive workforce. I look forward to working with my colleagues from both parties to promote research and innovation, create jobs and grow our economy.”
As Ranking Member on the Science, Space and Competitiveness Subcommittee, Senator Peters will work to promote policies that increase American competitiveness in advanced manufacturing and other industries, as well as promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education to train American workers for the high-skilled jobs of the future. Peters will also work to support scientific research ranging from fundamental math and physics to earth science and climate change.
The Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness has responsibility for science, technology, engineering and math research and development and policy; standards and measurement; and civil space policy. The Subcommittee conducts oversight on the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS).
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently awarded $4.3 million to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, a Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center that helps small and mid-sized manufacturers create and retain jobs, reach new customers and support innovation. The National Science Foundation supports research in Michigan’s colleges and universities that varies from advanced manufacturing and robotics to neuroscience and nanotechnology.
Senator Peters previously announced he would serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard. Senator Peters was later appointed to serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness, and he will continue to serve as a member of the Oceans Subcommittee. Peters also serves on the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security; and the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.
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