CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE MARKS NATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle—Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus—introduced a resolution he authored officially marking May 16 as National Day of Light in the United States.

“I founded the Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus almost four years ago because I know the optics and photonics industry holds unlimited opportunity—particularly in my community of Rochester, New York,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Light-based technologies are already driving scientific advancements, medical treatments, and more, and it’s critical our country continue its investments in these emerging technologies. I look forward to working with my co-chairs on the Optics and Photonics Caucus as well as all my colleagues in Congress to harness the potential of light to cement America's position as a global leader in innovation.”

Congressman Morelle has long been a leader in advancing investments in science and light-based technology research. From his leadership on the NY SMART-I Corridor Regional Technology Hub application to his continued work on the House Appropriations Committee to secure additional funding for science-based initiatives, he is always working to advance discovery and innovation on a regional, national, and global scale.

International Day of Light is celebrated every year on May 16 and is designed to serve as an appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. Congressman Morelle’s resolution would extend this celebration to the United States as well as create our own recognition: the National Day of Light.

Congressman Morelle’s floor remarks recognizing his resolution and the celebration of the National Day of Light can be found here.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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