David Zalubowski/AP
- 10 newly elected scientists are representing Americans in the 116th Congress.
- Eight of the new-comers are Democrats and two are Republicans.
- Here’s what these engineers, doctors, and other scientists want to do in 2019.
The 116th Congress was sworn in on Thursday, with 10 new scientists in the ranks.
Many of the incoming science experts on the Hill hold medical degrees, have worked in healthcare, or have an intimate understanding of topics like nuclear energy or climate change. It’s a major boost in the science credentials of the US governing body, which still has only one PhD scientist and one PhD mathematician among the 535 members.
While there are no additional PhDs on this list of new-comers, the doctors, engineers, and energy wonks who joined Congress bring knowledge of science, technology, and healthcare.
“Scientists are essentially problem-solvers,” Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action, a nonprofit political action committee dedicated to recruiting, training, and funding scientists and healthcare workers who want to run for political office, previously told Business Insider.
She said the new science-minded politicians will change the political conversation in Washington and “bring a much more nuanced and productive conversation to the healthcare debate,” while at the same time taking on environmental issues, cybersecurity, and election integrity.
“Who better to be tackling these issues than scientists?” she said.
Here’s the list of new science whizzes representing Americans on the Hill:
Computer programmer Jacky Rosen is one of Nevada’s two Democratic female senators. The former Congresswoman from the state’s 3rd District helped her suburban Las Vegas synagogue install a new solar array. Rosen says that cut the congregation’s energy bill by 70%.
314 Action
Source: Business Insider
Industrial engineer Chrissy Houlahan, an air force veteran, represents Pennsylvania’s 6th District. Houlahan, who used to teach high school chemistry, said she’ll focus on making healthcare more affordable.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Sources: Chrissy Houlahan for Congress, Business Insider
Ocean engineer Joe Cunningham, who squeaked out a victory in South Carolina’s coastal 1st District, wants to protect the coastline from offshore drilling.
Mic Smith/AP
The 36-year-old told The Post and Courier that he’s “pumped” to get to work in DC and end the government shutdown.
“People in the 1st Congressional District have sent me up here to extinguish those flames of partisan hatred and political divide as opposed to pouring kerosene on it,” he said.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- The US just sent 10 new scientists to Congress, including an ocean expert, a nurse, and a biochemist. Here’s the full list.
- 6 top VCs give their best 2019 predictions for healthcare, from a biotech correction to a ‘shadow cash economy’ stepping into the light
- A sinking Arctic town wants to move itself 2 miles east, and its billion dollar plan is finally becoming a reality
