Members of the University of Tennessee’s Material Advantage student chapter visited Washington D.C. on April 12, 2024, for Congressional Visits Day. The group held a total of four congressional meetings in which it advocated for the importance of basic research and developing (R&D) funding in light of upcoming votes in appropriations bills for the 2025 fiscal year.
The UT students had the opportunity to meet with Congressman John Rose and his legislative staffer from District 6. They also met with two legislative staff members from Senator Hagerty’s office, a legislative assistant from Congressman Tim Burchett’s office from District 2, and legislative aide from Senator Eric Schmitt’s office in Missouri.
In addition to the meetings on Capitol Hill, the UT students rode the metro, toured the Capitol, saw the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, attended the Material Advantage CVD opening night reception (where they received some advocacy tips), went to the U.S. Botanic Garden, and visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
The trip was supported by MSE and the Center for Materials Processing.
Tuesday: 1 p.m.
On Tuesday afternoon, we saw the Washington Monument.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.
On Wednesday morning, we toured the U.S. Botanic Garden before walking to Capitol Hill for our congressional meetings of the day.
Wednesday: 10:30 a.m.
On Capitol Hill, we met with TN District 6 Representative John Rose and his legislative staffer for our first congressional meeting of the day. We discussed the importance of basic R&D funding, which is the research funding that is provided to national labs and university STEM labs.
Wednesday: 3:30 p.m.
On Wednesday afternoon, we toured the Capitol.
Wednesday: 4 p.m.
Inside the Capitol, junior Jakob Scroggins posed next to the statue of Barry Goldwater. The other students wanted to get a photo of him here because he was recognized as a 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholar.
Wednesday: 4:30 p.m.
We took a photo outside of the Capitol after our tour.
Wednesday: 7 p.m.
On Wednesday evening, we went to a local restaurant in D.C. and enjoyed a 5-course meal.
Wednesday: 9 p.m.
On Wednesday night, we rode the D.C. metro back to the hotel.