WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) launched the Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus. The new caucus will focus on strengthening U.S. leadership in science and innovation and bringing policymakers, researchers, and industry together to inform policy. AASF Executive Director Gisela Kusakawa joined the launch event in Washington, DC, and looks forward to working with the caucus.

Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum (left), with Senator John Hickenlooper (right) at the caucus launch.

Senators John Hickenlooper (left) and Dave McCormick (right) speak at the launch of the Senate Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus.

“Our lives, our health, our society has been advantaged by science,” said Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA). “This is money that’s trying to build a foundation of understanding and science. The scientists that then change the world on behalf of all of us.”

“…Because of all those investments that have come to fruition and compounded, a child born tomorrow in this country has the highest probability of a healthy and happy life of any child born in the history of mankind,” said Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “We can’t hold back. We’ve got to seize this moment.”

“America’s leadership in science depends on sustained investment in research and the scientists who carry it forward,” said Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “Asian American scientists, researchers, and scholars have made important contributions across medicine, science, technology, and engineering, while training the next generation of scientists. We welcome this bipartisan effort and look forward to working with Senators Hickenlooper and McCormick to strengthen the U.S. research enterprise and ensure that the United States continues to attract and support talented scientists.”

Science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine jobs account for 34 percent of the U.S. workforce, while economic activity from these fields represents 39 percent of U.S. GDP. The caucus will focus on both basic scientific research and translating research into new technologies and applications.

AASF looks forward to engaging with the caucus on policies that support scientific research and strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce that contributes to American scientific leadership.

About the Asian American Scholar Forum

The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting belonging, freedom, and equality and to elevating the contributions of Asian American scholars, scientists, professionals, and leaders.

AASF works to strengthen America’s research and innovation ecosystem by supporting scholars, advancing public understanding, and preserving the stories of Asian American pioneers whose contributions are an integral part of the broader American story.

For more information, visit www.aasforum.org.