AIBS Letter to House Resources Committee Requesting House Passage of H. Res. 556

November 16, 2004

The Honorable Richard Pombo
Chairman, Committee on Resources
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Nick J. Rahall II
Ranking Member, Committee on Resources
1329 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall:

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) thanks you and the members of the Resources Committee for your prompt passage of H. Res. 556, "Congratulating the United States Geological Survey on its 125th Anniversary." We recognize that there is limited time remaining in the 108th Congress, but request that you work with House leadership to secure full passage of H.Res. 556 prior to adjournment.

AIBS was established as a national umbrella organization for the biological sciences in 1947 by 11 scientific societies as part of the National Academy of Sciences. An independent non-profit organization since 1954, it has grown to represent more than 80 professional societies and organizations with a combined membership exceeding 240,000 scientists and educators, many of whom work for the USGS or utilize USGS data and resources in their scientific research.

The USGS works diligently to provide public and private sector decision makers with the data and information required to make sound decisions that benefit public health and safety, strengthen our national economy, and ensure the wise management of our nation's mineral and natural resources. The Resources Committee's recognition of these efforts is greatly appreciated.

Again, thank you both for working to highlight the value and importance of this non-regulatory, federal science agency. If we may be of further assistance to you on this or related matters, please contact Dr. Robert Gropp in the AIBS Public Policy Office at 202-628-1500 x 250 or at .

Sincerely,
Richard T. O'Grady, Ph.D.
Executive Director

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