Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Environment

House Science Committee Chairman Retires

Rep. Sherwood Boehlert announces that he will not seek reelection this fall

by Susan R. Morrissey
March 22, 2006

After 21 years of service, Rep. Sherwood L. Boehlert (R-N.Y.) announced on March 17 that he will not run for another term in Congress. His departure later this year will mark the end of his service to the House Science Committee, where he has held the chairmanship since 2001.

"I have never been one to stick my finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing or to be guided in my direction by the latest poll numbers," Boehlert said at a press conference. He added, ???I think the people we represent want leadership, not followership."

Boehlert has been proactive for science and related education during his tenure as Science Committee chairman. He has held hearings and fought for legislation to increase funding at NSF, to oversee operations at NASA, and to support basic science programs at the Department of Energy.

Due to House term limit rules, Boehlert would have been forced to step down as chairman of the Science Committee at the end of the year even if he didn???t retire. On the basis of seniority and interest in the position, Boehlert's likely successors on the committee are Reps. Ralph M. Hall (R-Texas), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), or Vernon J. Ehlers (R-Mich.). The new chairman will be named next January.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.