Eddie Bernice Johnson: “Humanity's centuries-old quest to understand our place in the universe has gained significant ground in recent years.”

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to pay tribute to the life and legacy of former Speaker of the House James "Jim" Wright, who passed away on Wednesday, May 6, at the age of 92.

He is among the most influential Speakers in the history of the House of Representatives.

For too long we have failed to prioritize, or even acknowledge, the vast contributions that the Black community and other minority groups have made towards scientific discovery and innovation.

Diversity fosters a wider range of ideas and approaches, leading to more innovative solutions and better problem-solving capabilities in the scientific community.