What: A Congressional Delegation led by Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón (PR-At Large) and Congressman Michael Waltz (FL-6), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research & Technology at the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, visit the Arecibo Observatory to conduct oversight of the events leading to the collapse of the radio telescope, examine the current state of the Observatory and clean-up efforts, discuss the workforce impact of the telescope collapse, and to hear information on proposals under consideration for the future of the Observatory. Members will participate in a congressional forum on the future of the federally-funded Observatory, as well as its impact on STEM education and the STEM workforce on the Island.
When: Saturday, July 31, 2021
1:15 p.m.: Congressional Forum Livestream
3:00 p.m.: Press Conference Livestream
Where: Arecibo Observatory Facility
Route 625 Bo. Esperanza, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, 00612
Who: The Congressional Delegation includes
Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón (PR-AL), Representative of Puerto Rico- At Large
Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-06), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research & Technology, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Also in attendance will be members of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the House Committee on Appropriations.
Forum Panelists:
Francisco Córdova, Executive Director, Arecibo Observatory
John Abruzzo, Engeneer on Record, Thornton Tomasetti
Luis Quintero, Electronics Department, Arecibo Observatory
Dr. Allison Smith, Preeminent Postdoctoral Fellow, Arecibo Observatory
Dr. Carlos Padín, Ana G. Mendez University
Press Availability: There will be a press conference following the congressional forum. Only credentialed media will be allowed in the facilities’ front gate, where the press conference will be conducted.
Members will only take questions from in-person media members.
All interested credentialed media must RSVP to Linoshka.luna@mail.house.gov before 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30.
