 On January 7, 1979, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) passed a resolution proposing that the medal be expanded to include the social and behavioral sciences.In response, Senator Ted Kennedy introduced the "Science and Technology Equal Opportunities Act" into the Senate on March 7, 1979, expanding the medal to include these scientific disciplines as well.President Jimmy Carter's signature enacted this change as Public Law 96-516 on December 12, 1980.