Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pat Roberts

The American Chemical Society honored Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) with the Public Service Award for their contributions to the advancement and development of chemistry and science through public policy

Bingaman chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and has led efforts to strengthen fundamental science research and development at the Department of Energy (DOE).

Roberts established a blue ribbon Advisory Committee on Science, Technology, and the Future in 1996 to advise him on his state's technology needs. He also introduced the National Science Education Act of 2001 to improve the quality of math and science teaching and developed the math and science partnership programs included in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Both Bingaman and Roberts are advocates for strengthening K-12 science education and are members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. They also have been vocal supporters of increased civilian and defense research and have championed significant funding increases for the DOE Office of Science, the National Science Foundation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

"[The Senators have] made outstanding contributions to the development of public policy that benefits chemistry and the sciences," said Dr. Attila Pavlath, ACS president.

The ACS Board of Directors established the Public Service Award in 1996 to recognize nonmembers who have made outstanding contributions to the development of public policy that benefits chemistry and the sciences.

Pavlath presented the awards to the senators at a reception on October 9.

"This award expresses our appreciation for [their] dedication to the advancement of the sciences," Pavlath said.