Press release
Lawmakers Tout Research Conducted at Jefferson County Facility to Safeguard Public Health
WASHINGTON–Arkansas’s U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton joined Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) with the introduction of congressional resolutions recognizing this milestone.
On August 11, 1971, President Richard Nixon established the NCTR in Jefferson, Arkansas. This Food and Drug Administration (FDA) research facility promotes and protects public health and provided critical support to Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NCTR employs 680 individuals who reside in 17 counties in Arkansas, and contributes nearly $70 million to the state, local and national economies.
“We can be incredibly proud to have the NCTR in our state and know that fellow Arkansans are playing a significant role to improve the health and safety of all Americans. I’ve been proud to support the work of the scientists and researchers at this FDA facility and am pleased to recognize this special occasion,” Boozman said.
“The National Center for Toxicological Research conducts critical research that was especially vital during the pandemic. I’m proud of the several hundred Arkansans who work at the NCTR, and I look forward to another successful 50 years,” said Cotton.
“For half a century, the National Center for Toxicological Research has provided vital research and services to ensure that Americans have safe food, cosmetics, and medicine. Without such facilities, the United States would not be home to the world’s safest and most abundant food supply. I’m proud that Arkansas continues to play a vital role in protecting the health and safety of Americans,” Crawford said.
“The NCTR has undoubtedly improved the lives of Arkansans and all Americans. I appreciate the contribution hundreds of Arkansans have made, through the NCTR, to the well-being of the people and economy of Arkansas. I am proud to recognize this momentous fifty-year anniversary and I am dedicated to supporting the NCTR’s efforts towards a healthier, safer America,” Hill said.
Womack said, “The NCTR is a premier facility that is advancing research and health collaboration across the nation. We are fortunate to have this federal laboratory and hardworking scientists support medical ingenuity and projects right here in Arkansas. With half a century of service, I am proud to honor this milestone.”
“The NTCR has been an invaluable addition to Arkansas’ Fourth District and the nation,” said Westerman. “The Fourth District is proud to host the only FDA site location outside the Washington, D.C. area, providing hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue to the state and the local economy. I am grateful for the vital work of NCTR’s researchers and scientists to protect American consumers, and I am pleased to support its continued research through this resolution.”
Full text of the Senate resolution is available here.