Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus

Official twitter account of the bipartisan, bicameral Optics & Photonics (O&P) Caucus

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Today, Co-Chairs Reps. Morelle and Mast introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize May 16 as the National Day of Light, celebrating the ways light-based science and technology continue to drive innovation. #NationalDayOfLight #IDL2026 @IDLofficial

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Light-based innovations drive our economy. Robust funding for optics & photonics is essential for competitive, high-tech job creation and global leadership. Let’s spotlight science and technology during government funding negotiations! #WorldQuantumDay

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Glad to see the Bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act has been introduced. This is one of the Optics & Photonics Caucus’s top priorities! https://t.co/fCaZonJkR8

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

We are excited to add another member to the Optics & Photonics Caucus. Welcome @RepMeuser, glad to have you on the O&P team!

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

While many of us turn Thanksgiving leftovers into sandwiches, in 1981 researchers used their extra turkey to test an ultraviolet laser on cartilage. The remarkably precise cuts they made opened the door to the laser surgery procedures we know today. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Spotted: @RepJoeMorelle addressing @SPIEtweets Photonics Industry Day!

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Spotted: O&P Caucus Member @RepCiscomani speaking at SPIE’s Photonics Industry Day Congressional Reception.

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Excited to add another member to the bipartisan Optics & Photonics Caucus. Welcome @RepCiscomani, glad to have you on the O&P team!

[Congressman Juan Ciscomani @RepCiscomani]

After meeting with local stakeholders earlier this year in AZ06 and seeing their work to advance Arizona as a global hub for optics and photonics, I’ve joined the Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus to advocate for Arizona’s role in optical science and technology 🔬🔭

[Joe Morelle @RepJoeMorelle]

I'm humbled to be recognized by the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association as an honorary member.

As co-founder and co-chair of the @OPCaucus, I'm proud to be a partner & friend of the optics and photonics industry as they power discoveries that light up our world.

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Thanks to the University of Chicago for hosting a fantastic quantum briefing! This discussion explored how this transformative field supports U.S. economic growth, competitiveness, and why continued public-private partnerships matter. #InvestInScience

https://t.co/m8MMsGGFh8

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

An amazing discovery from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory! Scientists measured X-rays from a distant star and found it shrinking the atmosphere of an exoplanet. Another remarkable breakthrough made possible by Federal investment in science.

[Chandra Observatory @chandraxray]

A star is bombarding a baby planet with X-rays, shrinking it from the size of Jupiter to a small, barren world, according to a new Chandra study. Scientists estimate the planet is losing a mass equivalent to a full Earth's atmosphere about every 200 years. https://t.co/Qs3xtxlvwi

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

The NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory is giving us a new view of the night sky—uncovering millions of galaxies and thousands of unseen asteroids.

Congress must keep supporting missions like the Rubin Observatory to keep the U.S. at the forefront of science and discovery.

[NSF-DOE Rubin Observatory @VRubinObs]

Yesterday we released our cosmic treasure chest...and now it's yours to explore! With ~10 million galaxies in the image, there's plenty to find.

Pan, zoom, and hunt for gems using Skyviewer - and be sure to share your favorites with us!

➡️ https://t.co/yGz8Ob0b5Q

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Today, Co-Chairs Morelle and Mast introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May 16 as the National Day of Light. This effort recognizes the profound impact of light-based technology on medicine, communication, energy, and beyond. #NationalDayOfLight #IDL2025 @IDLofficial

[Joe Morelle @RepJoeMorelle]

Today, we celebrate International Day of Light—which marks the anniversary of the first successful laser surgery in 1960 by Theodore Maiman.

I introduced my resolution to make today "National Day of Light" across America.

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Cutting-edge research in optics & photonics fuels breakthroughs that strengthen national security, healthcare, and manufacturing. Let’s ensure strong funding during this appropriations cycle to maintain U.S. leadership in optics & photonics. #InvestInTech

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Spotted: O&P Co-Chair @RepJoeMorelle at the groundbreaking for @MonroeCC’s new Advanced Technology Center!

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Four years down, light years to go. Happy Birthday O&P Caucus!

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Exciting discussions between Caucus Co-Chair Morelle and Dave Shelton, CEO of AmeriCOM!

Investing in R&D is critical for growing our economy & keeping the U.S. at the forefront of innovation! #Optics

[Joe Morelle @RepJoeMorelle]

As Founder and Co-Chair of @OPCaucus, I'm committed to growing our nation's optics and photonics industries. It's a special honor to see companies in Rochester stepping up to carry this mantle.

Thank you to AmeriCOM CEO Dave Shelton for the update on your innovative work.

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

A photon walks into a hotel. The desk clerk says, "Welcome to our hotel. Can we help you with your luggage?" The photon says, "No thanks, I'm traveling light." #NationalTellAJokeDay

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Spotted: O&P Co-Chair @RepJoeMorelle recognizing the National Day of Light on the House Floor ! #lightday2024

[Joe Morelle @RepJoeMorelle]

Happy #NationalDayofLight, America!

I founded the @OPCaucus almost four years ago because I know the optics and photonics industry holds unlimited opportunity—particularly in Rochester—and I'm committed to advancing investment in this important field.

[Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus @OPCaucus]

Happy International Day of Light from Co-Chairs @RepJoeMorelle & @RepBrianMast #lightday2024 #lightingourlives2024 @IDLofficial