The ACS, the world's largest scientific society, extends the award periodically to recognize outstanding contributions to the development of public policy that benefits the chemical sciences. Rep. Biggert has distinguished herself as an effective advocate for science and as a dedicated public servant, according to the award.
Rep. Biggert, a lifelong Illinois resident, was elected to Congress in 1998 to represent Illinois' 13th District. She serves on the Science; Education and the Workforce; Financial Services; and Ethics Committees. As a former PTA and school board president, she has long been a strong supporter of math and science education and has successfully sponsored legislation to increase the authorization amount for the K-12 Math and Science Partnership Program.
Shortly after her election, Rep. Biggert was selected as the only member-elect to serve on the congressional delegation to the White House Conference on Social Security. During her second term she served as a co-chair of the Women's Caucus. Now in her third term, Rep. Biggert is a member of the Speaker's Working Group for a Drug Free America and the bipartisan Working Group on Youth Violence. In addition, she has worked closely with the American Chemical Society in efforts to increase funding for the Department of Energy's Office of Science.
Rep. Biggert lives in Hinsdale with her husband, Rody. Her district encompasses Argonne National Laboratory, BP Chemicals and NALCO.