Congressman Morelle Announces Creation of Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus
February 24, 2021
This bipartisan, bicameral caucus will promote and advance the optics and photonics industry;
MCC Professor Alexis Vogt among invited speakers at today’s virtual launch
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the creation of the Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus to promote and advance the use of light-based technologies that are already impacting our world every day. Rep. Morelle co-founded the caucus with Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18), Senator Steve Daines (MT) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ).
“The bipartisan, bicameral caucus we are announcing today is the result of a multi-year effort to increase awareness of how optics and photonics work to maintain the U.S. position as a leader in global innovation,” Congressman Joe Morelle said. “Our world is shifting to a knowledge-based economy that rewards those nations who invest in innovation and are at the forefront of emerging technologies. And the reward is what our nation needs most right now: a boost in our economy and the creation of stable, high-paying jobs.”
The foundation for this industry has already been laid, and in fact, is currently shaping how we communicate, energize our grids, administer healthcare, and enhance our national security.
By harnessing the power of light, the optics and photonics industry offers solutions that are more efficient and cost effective than other existing technology today. What’s more, the industry is in high demand, offering pathways to employment for Americans as we begin to rebuild and revitalize our economy in the wake of COVID-19.
Among the goals of the Optics & Photonics caucus are:
- To promote and advance the use of light-based technologies through public and private investments and secure the United States’ status as a global leader in innovation;
- To break down the siloed knowledge surrounding this robust industry, educating lawmakers, workers, and students of all this industry has to offer and setting future generations up succeed.
Professor Alexis Vogt
“Employers from around the world frequently contact Monroe Community College (Rochester, N.Y.) looking for their ‘future photon workforce’—highly skilled technicians who are trained to produce innovative light-enabled products. There are thousands of job openings in optics, photonics, and imaging worldwide,” said Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., MCC program chair and professor of optical systems technology. “As the only college in the nation awarding associate degrees in precision optics, MCC educates and trains a finite number of skilled optics technicians each year. We are eager to help other communities across the nation develop their workforce for these highly skilled, well-paid jobs.”
“This Caucus will serve as a valuable tool for members and staff seeking to learn more about the dynamic possibilities of optics and photonics,” said Ed White, chairman of the National Photonics Initiative. “It will also give our community a stronger voice in Congress as we work to educate policymakers on the many ways optics and photonics can be used to confront challenges ranging from health care delivery to agriculture to infrastructure development.”
The full news release is available on Congressman Morelle’s website.