Congressman Randy Hultgren, R- Winfield, has announced the formation of a new Congressional caucus focused on science and research lab development.

The House Science & National Labs Caucus is being chaired by Hultgren and congressmen Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., and Alan Nunnelee, R-Miss., according to a Friday news release.

The caucus will focus on reinforcing federal investments toward research and national laboratories while raising awareness of the positive effects that such research has on economic growth, according to the release.

“These laboratories, much like the rest of the economy, deserve certainty from the government so they can continue their important work with confidence,” Hultgren said in the release.

Hultgren was named as the Science Coalition’s Champion of Science earlier this year, and also represents the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Ill., according to the release.

“National labs do much more than research,” Hultgren said in the release. “Their reach can be seen in all sectors of the economy, and they can help make America the most economically competitive country in the world.”