During a recent visit to Rice University, Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, praised the institution’s leading-edge research and its contributions to national defense advancements.
The visit underscored the vital role of institutions like Rice in advancing national defense initiatives, fostering innovation and ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader in technology and security. Ellzey, who serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and is a member of the subcommittees on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, highlighted the critical role universities play.
“We get to guide the direction of our country in so many different ways,” Ellzey said, mentioning the House Appropriations Committee’s work, which often intersects with and supports government-university research partnerships.
During his time at Rice Ellzey visited the labs of researchers and faculty members Pulickel Ajayan, Jim Tour, Ed Knightly and Lane Martin.
“I am blown away by the work that Rice is doing,” he said. “There are a lot of great people from all over doing great work at this school to keep us on the leading edge.”
Ellzey also lauded Rice’s partnerships with the Air Force Research Lab and the Army Research Lab as just a few examples of how universities are contributing to our national security.
“This is a race for national security…so the only way you’re going to do that is find the best and the brightest, and they’re everywhere at universities like this, and find ways to defeat those adversaries before we have to go to war,” he said.
Ellzey also discussed the Arctic Circle’s strategic importance. He recently participated in Operation Ice Camp, designed to evaluate operational readiness in the Arctic, enhance regional experience and deepen understanding of the Arctic environment.
“The Arctic is a contested region, no less than the moon or Mars,” he said, also mentioning that the security of sea lanes and access to critical resources is essential for national and global stability.
The representative also acknowledged the dedication of Rice’s students and researchers, specifically commending them for their focus on advanced materials and critical mineral extraction.
“Seeing what they’re doing here with respect to fascinating technologies and leading-edge ways of keeping us ahead of our adversaries — and there are a bunch of them — how we’re doing that on a governmental and university basis is just fascinating and fun to watch,” Ellzey said.
Photos by Jorge Vidal. Video by Brandon Martin.