May 4, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3087 Mr. Speaker, the National Science Founda- reaffirming our national commitment and ap- the global competitiveness of the United tion was originally created by this very body— preciation for the National Science Foundation States; the United States Congress—in 1950. The in- as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Whereas many STEM occupations do not I would also like to thank and praise the have representation of women and underrep- tent of Congress at the time was to promote resented minorities proportional to these the progress of science, to advance the na- thousands of scientists, engineers, research- groups in the population or their enrollment tional health, prosperity, and welfare, and to ers and administrators who have worked in in higher education; secure our nation through defense technology conjunction with the National Science Founda- Whereas strengthening partnerships be- and innovation. tion towards the creation of new technologies tween the Federal and State governments, Since that time, the National Science Foun- and the improvement of our collective stand- the private sector, nonprofit organizations, dation has worked diligently to ensure that the ards of living. professional societies, and the education United States maintains its expertise and pre- I ask my colleagues for their support of H. community will improve STEM education in cision in discovery and innovation in addition Res. 1307, as well as for their continued sup- our Nation’s schools; port for the National Science Foundation and Whereas the Bureau of Labor Statistics re- to education in science, engineering, and ports that science and engineering occupa- mathematics. its initiatives. By maintaining and increasing tions are projected to grow by 21.4 percent Additionally, the National Science Founda- the capacity of our nation to research and de- from 2004 to 2014, compared to a projected tion was created with the intent of helping to velop new technologies and innovations, I am growth of 13 percent in all occupations dur- educate the children of our nation and give confident that the United States will continue ing the same time period; them the tools necessary to become doctors, to be a leader in the market for technology Whereas an understanding of science and researchers, astronauts and chemists. As the products for years to come. mathematics is necessary not only for those Chairwoman of the Congressional Children’s I would like to again thank my colleague who will enter STEM fields as majors but for all citizens to understand scientific and Representative BART GORDON for his leader- Caucus, I fully support the National Science technical issues that affect their lives; Foundation in its efforts towards childhood ship in introducing this bill as well as for his Whereas scientific and technical skills are education and I understand the great impor- support of the National Science Foundation. a requirement for an increasingly wide range tance of educating our children in these areas. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me of occupations and hands-on inquiry-based Moreover, the National Science Foundation in supporting H. Res. 1307. learning in the STEM fields is an essential supports science, technology, engineering, Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I element of a well-rounded education; and mathematics (STEM) education at all lev- yield back the balance of my time. Whereas the President has launched an els from elementary schools to national re- Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield ‘‘Educate to Innovate campaign’’ which aims search universities. We all know the great im- back the balance of my time. to increase STEM literacy so that all stu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The dents can learn deeply and think critically portance this type of education has on chil- in STEM, to move American students from dren and I applaud the National Science question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. the middle of the pack to the top in the next Foundation for its dedication to high-quality decade, and to expand STEM education and education for the children of our nation. FUDGE) that the House suspend the career opportunities for underrepresented In addition, Mr. Speaker, the National rules and agree to the resolution, H. groups, including women and girls; Science Foundation had made many signifi- Res. 1307. Whereas National Lab Day is a nationwide cant contributions to our collective standard of The question was taken. initiative to foster community-based col- living and economy. By creating opportunities The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the laborations between educators and STEM opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being professionals and other volunteers across the for research and innovation in new areas, our country to support high-quality, hands-on, nation has benefited from cutting-edge med- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, on that I discovery-based laboratory experiences for ical tools, safer cars and transportation sys- demand the yeas and nays. students; tems as well as defense innovations that have The yeas and nays were ordered. Whereas more than 200 business, science helped to protect the American people from The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and technology, and education organizations have declared their support for National Lab those that would seek to do us harm. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Through its research capacities, the Na- Day; and Chair’s prior announcement, further tional Science Foundation supports a network Whereas schools and educators across the proceedings on this motion will be of 200,000 individuals each year, including sci- country will celebrate the first National Lab postponed. Day during the first week of May at a time entists, engineers, students, and educators at f of their own choosing: Now, therefore, be it over 2,000 colleges and universities, schools, Resolved, That the House of Representa- nonprofit organizations, science centers and SUPPORTING THE IDEALS OF tives— museums, and small businesses throughout NATIONAL LAB DAY (1) supports the ideals of National Lab our Nation. The National Science Foundation Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to Day; (2) calls upon the Office of Science and also works with and funds multi-user facilities suspend the rules and agree to the reso- and tools for conducting world-class research Technology Policy and the National Science lution (H. Res. 1213) recognizing the Foundation to continue fostering partner- and training initiatives. need to improve the participation and ships such as those involved in National Lab In addition to these efforts, the National performance of America’s students in Day; and Science Foundation has taken a protective Science, Technology, Engineering, and (3) encourages scientists, volunteers, and stance for our country against the threat of Mathematics (STEM) fields, supporting educators to participate in National Lab earthquakes and other natural and man-made the ideals of National Lab Day, and for Day. disasters. Through its National Hazards Re- other purposes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- duction Program, Network for Earthquake En- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from gineering Simulation, the Approaches to Com- tion. Ohio (Ms. FUDGE) and the gentleman bat Terrorism program, and similar research The text of the resolution is as fol- from Texas (Mr. HALL) each will con- activities the National Science Foundation has lows: trol 20 minutes. contributed to predicting and reducing the risk H. RES. 1213 The Chair recognizes the gentle- of devastation from natural and man-made Whereas in 2005 the National Academy of woman from Ohio. disasters during the past decade. Sciences published a report entitled ‘‘Rising GENERAL LEAVE The National Science Foundation has also Above the Gathering Storm’’, which esti- Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask funded quick-response research at the sites of mated that in the United States innovations unanimous consent that all Members unprecedented national and international trag- generated by the Science, Technology, Engi- may have 5 legislative days in which to edies, including the September 11 attacks on neering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields ac- revise and extend their remarks and to the United States, the South Asian earthquake count for nearly half of the growth in gross include extraneous material on H. Res. and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the Hai- domestic product; 1213. tian earthquake. These response and research Whereas in 2006 only 4.5 percent of college graduates in the United States received a di- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there efforts have helped to contribute to further pre- ploma in engineering, compared with 25.4 objection to the request of the gentle- venting and mitigating the impact of future dis- percent in South Korea, 33.3 percent in woman from Ohio? asters. China, and 39.1 percent in Singapore; There was no objection. I stand today with Representative BART Whereas increasing the number of students Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- GORDON and other members of Congress in pursuing careers in STEM fields is vital to self such time as I may consume.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:51 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H04MY0.REC H04MY0 mmaher on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 4, 2010 Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 1213 recognizes technology, engineering, and math Mr. Speaker, we can’t build rockets the need to improve the performance of fields, or STEM fields. In order for without rocket scientists, and other American students in the science, tech- America to continue its competitive countries know that. The United nology, engineering, and mathematics edge in technology and innovation, a States graduates about 70,000 engineers fields. This resolution support the solid foundation in STEM education for annually, a meager 15 percent. China ideals of National Lab Day, a nation- our students is very vital. Without graduates over half a million engineers wide effort to connect students, STEM early exposure to science in the class- every year. We not only need the next educators, and volunteers in order to room, students will either lack the in- generation of spacecraft to reach Mars build the STEM community. terest to pursue a career in STEM and beyond; we need the next genera- All children have an innate curiosity fields, or will lack the preparation and tion of space engineers to get us there. about the world around them. Research skills required to be successful. And if we are to maintain space domi- shows students begin to lose this in- H. Res. 1213 puts one step forward to nance when others, especially China, quisitiveness as early as middle school. ensuring that our children and grand- challenge us, we need more engineers. During National Lab Day, students in children, the innovators of tomorrow, While we are struggling to educate all grades participate in hands-on sci- have the well-rounded education they enough engineers to assume the torch entific educational projects to dem- need if they are to become the leading from those retiring, we are also losing onstrate real-life applications of the minds of America’s future. many of them to the sexy new world of STEM fields. For example, a teacher in National Lab Day’s purpose is to Internet technology. Building rockets my district posted a project requesting raise awareness of the importance of is losing luster to Facebook, eBay, a scientist to illustrate how chemistry STEM education by creating a ‘‘nation- Google and other IT firms. If we want is used in real-world applications and wide initiative to build local commu- to continue to be the world’s leader in careers. The National Lab Day Web nities of support that will foster ongo- space, we have to get our young people site will connect this teacher with a ing collaboration among volunteers, dreaming bigger, literally dreaming professional scientist to perform ex- students and educators. Volunteers, out of this world. We need to inspire periments and talk to students about university students, scientists, engi- our young people the same way Presi- careers in chemistry. These activities neers, other STEM professionals and, dent Kennedy did 50 years ago when he keep students interested and engaged more broadly, members of the commu- committed the United States to win- in math and science throughout pri- nity are working together with edu- ning the space race. mary and secondary school. We hope cators and students to bring discovery- STEM education is the key, Mr. that by keeping children interested based science experiences to students Speaker. I urge our colleagues to sup- early in life more American students in grades K–12.’’ port this worthy resolution. will enter STEM fields. I applaud those efforts that do not Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I America has a rich history as a lead- rely on the Federal Government but yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from er in technology and information. How- engage our communities to become Georgia (Mr. GINGREY). ever, we are at serious risk of losing more involved in improving lab experi- Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speak- our world status if we don’t train and ences for students in kindergarten er, I rise in strong support of H. Res. encourage and engage our youth. Re- through high school, and hope my col- 1213, a resolution supporting the ideals search shows that the United States is leagues will join me today in recog- of National Lab Day. graduating significantly lower percent- nizing the importance of what National I would also like to commend the two ages of students in STEM fields than Lab Day presents. principal sponsors of this legislation, other nations. In 2006, for example, a Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. little over 4 percent of American stu- my time. FUDGE) and the gentleman from Michi- dents received undergraduate degrees Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 gan (Mr. EHLERS), for their continued in engineering compared to 33 percent minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- leadership on the promotion of STEM in China. We can change this trend. fornia (Ms. HARMAN). education. Last week, I was visited by a con- Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank And I want to join my colleague, the stituent named Sheari Rice. Sheari is a the gentlewoman for yielding and com- gentlewoman from California (Ms. full-time engineer working toward a mend her leadership. As a former mem- HARMAN), and I too am a former mem- Ph.D. at Cleveland State University in ber of the Science Committee myself, I ber of the Science Committee, and I my district. She is a strong, powerful think this is a very important resolu- agree completely with her remarks on role model for female minority stu- tion which highlights an issue that di- this issue. dents and said she would be thrilled to rectly impacts not just national secu- Science, technology, engineering, volunteer for National Lab Day. People rity but employment in my district and mathematics, better known as like Sheari will make this initiative and many others. STEM, education is instrumental to successful and teach our children that Science, technology, engineering, our ability to stay on the cutting edge careers such as hers are within their and mathematics are the backbone of of the global economy. Yet the United reach. California’s 36th District economy. We States is indeed falling behind the rest There are Shearis in every district, are the home to the Los Angeles Air of the world in the number of students and I hope my colleagues will join me Force Base Space and Missile Systems that are graduating from STEM fields. in reaching out to these role models. Center and to large facilities of all of Mr. Speaker, according to a 2006 As- Tell them they can visit the major aerospace firms, as well as sociation of American Universities www.nationallabday.org to sign up for critically important innovative second study that is noted in the findings of H. projects in their communities. I look and third tier suppliers. As I am fond of Res. 1213, 33.3 percent of students in forward to seeing successful lab days saying, my district is the aerospace China receive their undergraduate de- all around the Nation and eventually a center of the universe. grees in engineering; in Singapore, that more technologically competitive L.A. County’s unemployment rate is number is 39.1 percent; and 25.4 percent America. over 13 percent, but the 36th Congres- of South Korea’s graduates fall into Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of sional District’s unemployment is half these fields. Unfortunately, the United my time. that, almost entirely because of States is lagging so far behind with a Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I science and technology jobs, especially staggering 4.5 percent of graduates in yield myself such time as I may con- in the aerospace industry. But the in- engineering. In order for us to remain sume. I thank Ms. FUDGE for her good dustry faces a coming ‘‘gray wave.’’ competitive in a global marketplace, it presentation, and I rise in support of H. Some 60 percent of aerospace workers is imperative that we find ways to in- Res. 1213, supporting the ideals of Na- are over age 50, and almost 26 percent crease the number of students coming tional Lab Day. are already eligible for retirement. Not out of college with a degree in a STEM- H. Res. 1213 recognizes the need to enough young scientists and engineers related field. That means that we need improve the participation and perform- are coming out of college to fill their to build the interest level within STEM ance of America’s students in science, ranks. education for students at all levels.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:51 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H04MY0.REC H04MY0 mmaher on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 4, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3089 Mr. Speaker, as a graduate of Geor- turn their educations into careers. and scientific knowledge necessary to com- gia Tech with a degree in chemistry, They don’t have to take the careers of pete in a globalized economy. Further, within STEM education is an issue that is STEM, but they have to be prepared to the context of globalization, I strongly believe near and dear to me, and I am very make those choices by the time they that this country’s ability to achieve and main- happy to see that this body consider in get to college. tain a high standard of living is dependent on a bipartisan way a resolution that sup- That is why I sponsored the Patsy T. the extent to which it can harness science and ports National Lab Day. This is a na- Mink Fellowships, which President technology. Thus, in order to enhance the tionwide initiative that provides a Bush signed into law in 2008 as part of international competitiveness of the country, it forum for scientists to work directly the Higher Education Reauthorization is critical for us to promote and support stu- with students in a hands-on learning Act. The Patsy T. Mink Fellowships dents pursuing careers in meteorology, clima- experience. By allowing students the provide encouragement for women and tology and atmospheric research. opportunity to collaborate with sci- minorities to go into the graduate pro- From Ben Franklin to NASA to Silicon Val- entists in this way, National Lab Day grams where they are represented, such ley, America has a great history of scientific can provide them with the tools to as into the STEM programs, and then innovation. In recent years, however, we have keep them engaged in STEM fields, to move into teaching in these fields. diverged from this path and have endangered with the hope that those students will I am also preparing to reintroduce a our reputation as a nation at the forefront of pursue higher education opportunities bill, Go Girl, as it has been previously science and technology. In 2006 only 4.5 per- and careers in these cutting-edge entitled for the many, many years that cent of college graduates in the United States fields. I’ve been here, which will provide received a diploma in engineering, compared During the 110th Congress, I believe grants to schools to promote STEM with 25.4 percent in South Korea, 33.3 percent our Nation took a very crucial step, education for girls, and we have in- in China, and 39.1 percent in Singapore. due in large part to the leadership of cluded underrepresented minorities for Today, American students rank 21st out of 30 K–12 students. Chairman BART GORDON and Ranking in scientific literacy among students from de- Mr. Speaker, helping young women Member RALPH HALL of the Science veloped countries, and 25th out of 30 in math and minorities go into these STEM Committee, to address this issue in the literacy. fields is an investment in our future as America COMPETES Act, and that was If this trend continues, there are dire con- a country, so I urge my colleagues to passed in a bipartisan way in 2007 and sequences for our children and our economy. join me in voting for H. Res. 1213. signed into law by former President As this bill notes, ‘‘In 2005 the National Acad- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Bush. emy of Sciences published a report entitled Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. ‘Rising Above the Gathering Storm’, which es- b 1430 1213 to support the goals and ideals of Na- timated that in the United States innovations As the former ranking member of the tional Lab Day. generated by the Science, Technology, Engi- Science Committee’s Technology and I want to commend National Lab Day and neering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields ac- Innovation Subcommittee, I was so its partners for their efforts to ensure Amer- count for nearly half of the growth in gross do- proud to support that important legis- ica’s workforce is proficient in Science, Tech- mestic product.’’ lation, which will make STEM edu- nology, Engineering, and Mathematics Mr. Speaker, it is essential that we invest in cation a priority both now and in the (STEM). In order to keep the United States at a workforce ready for global competition by future. the leading edge of discovery, it will take com- creating a new generation of innovators and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The mitted partnerships with volunteers, university make a sustained commitment to federal re- time of the gentleman has expired. students, scientists, engineers, other STEM search and development. We need to spur Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield the gen- professionals, and communities to inspire and and expand affordable access to broadband, tleman 1 additional minute. cultivate our youth. achieve energy independence, and provide I strongly believe that in order for a child to Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. As we like- small business with tools to encourage entre- believe, they must first see. Today, our chil- ly consider the reauthorization of the preneurial innovation. dren are in desperate need of positive role America COMPETES Reauthorization The establishment and maintenance of a models. When STEM professionals enter the Act next week, I hope this body will capable science and technological workforce classroom and work with children, they are approach this legislation in the same remains an important facet of U.S. efforts to providing an example of what one day they maintain economic competitiveness. Pre-col- manner. too can become. We need to increase profes- I urge all of my colleagues to support lege instruction in mathematics and scientific sional involvement with our youth throughout fields is crucial to the development of U.S. this great resolution, H. Res. 1213. our educational pipeline. Efforts such as Na- science and technological personnel, as well Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 tional Lab Day will help bring about positive as our overall scientific literacy as a nation. minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- change for our country. The value of education in science and mathe- fornia (Ms. WOOLSEY). It is no mystery that STEM professionals will matics is not limited to those students pur- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I want cure the next epidemic and invent the next suing a degree in one of these fields, and to compliment our chairman, BART technological breakthrough. Ultimately, a na- even students pursuing nonscientific and non- GORDON, and I would like to com- tion that graduates a high amount of STEM mathematical fields are likely to require basic pliment Congresswoman FUDGE and our professionals will be a nation that will thrive in knowledge in these subjects. ranking member, Mr. HALL, for this the 21st century. These fields are among the In particular, there is a need to extend ac- resolution because it is greatly impor- highest paying and the most stable. Their rate cess to mathematics and scientific education tant. of growth is increasing exponentially as our to a number of specific groups. Even as cer- I support H. Res. 1213, a resolution in society grows increasingly technological and tain minorities, including African Americans, support of improving participation in our world becomes more interconnected. Hispanics, and Native Americans, comprise an the STEM fields, STEM—Science, Mr. Speaker, the time to act is now. I ask increasingly large proportion of the U.S. popu- Technology, Engineering, and Mathe- my fellow colleagues today to join me in hon- lation, they continue to be underrepresented in matics. oring National Lab Day and efforts that will science and engineering disciplines. Together, As a member of the House Education raise standards, improve teaching, and moti- these three groups comprise over 25 percent and Labor Committee and of the House vate more students to pursue careers in of the population, but earn only 16.2 percent Science and Technology Committee, it science and math. of the bachelor degrees, 10.7 percent of the is absolutely clear to me that our Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, masters degrees, and 5.4 percent of the doc- country’s ability to develop, to pros- as a former member of the Science Com- torate degrees in these fields. per, and to compete will depend upon mittee and a strong supporter of education, I Mr. Speaker, as we develop the reauthoriza- investing in our children’s educations rise in strong support of this resolution Recog- tion of the Elementary and Secondary Edu- and in the scientific community. nizing the need to improve the participation cation Act (ESEA), we must fully integrate and A central piece of this effort must be and performance of America’s students in fund STEM education programs. Such pro- to encourage girls and underrep- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math grams are vital to the future of our nation. resented minorities to be involved in (STEM) fields. Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I STEM at the K–12 undergrad and grad- This legislation recognizes the importance of have no further requests for time, and uate levels so they can, if they choose, equipping young minds with the technological I yield back the balance of my time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:51 Sep 24, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H04MY0.REC H04MY0 mmaher on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 4, 2010 Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, at this Whereas LaserFest is a year-long celebra- standing that, in a prior life, Dr. time, I would ask that my colleagues tion of the 50th anniversary intended to EHLERS knew one of the persons cited support H. Res. 1213. bring public awareness to the story of the in this resolution, Dr. Townes, so it is I yield back the balance of my time. laser and scientific achievement generally, especially fitting that he is the spon- and was founded by the following partners: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the Optical Society of America, the Amer- sor. question is on the motion offered by ican Physical Society, the International So- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. ciety for Optical Engineering, and IEEE: support the resolution, and I reserve FUDGE) that the House suspend the Now, therefore, be it the balance of my time. rules and agree to the resolution, H. Resolved, That the House of Representa- Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield myself Res. 1213. tives— such time as I may consume. The question was taken. (1) recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 1310 celebrates The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the laser; and the 50th anniversary of the construc- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being (2) recognizes the need for continued sup- tion of the laser, marking a major port of scientific research to maintain Amer- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ica’s future competitiveness. milestone in scientific discovery. Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, on that I In 1953, Charles Townes produced demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- what would become a precursor to the The yeas and nays were ordered. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from laser—the first microwave amplifier. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Ohio (Ms. FUDGE) and the gentleman Townes and his colleagues teamed up ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the from Texas (Mr. HALL) each will con- with Bell Laboratories in 1957 to begin Chair’s prior announcement, further trol 20 minutes. extensive research on the amplification proceedings on this motion will be The Chair recognizes the gentle- devices. Their focus shifted only to postponed. woman from Ohio. those amplifiers which produced visible GENERAL LEAVE f light. In 1958, Bell Laboratories sub- Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask mitted a patent for an optical laser. RECOGNIZING THE 50TH unanimous consent that all Members However, such a device had yet to be ANNIVERSARY OF THE LASER may have 5 legislative days to revise successfully created. It was not until Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to and extend their remarks and to in- Charles Townes and Gordon Gould met suspend the rules and agree to the reso- clude extraneous material on H. Res. in 1958 that the fundamentals of the lution (H. Res. 1310) recognizing the 1310, the resolution now under consid- laser and of the open resonator design 50th anniversary of the laser. eration. were first discussed. In 1960, Theodore The Clerk read the title of the resolu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Maiman constructed the first oper- tion. objection to the request of the gentle- ational laser. He used theories and The text of the resolution is as fol- woman from Ohio? plans published by Bell Labs, Gould, lows: There was no objection. and Townes to construct this remark- H. RES. 1310 Ms. FUDGE. I yield myself such time able device. Whereas the invention of the laser was one as I may consume. Charles Townes was later awarded of the groundbreaking scientific achieve- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Nobel Prize for Physics, along with ments of the 20th century; House Resolution 1310, which cele- scientists Nikolay Basov and Alek- Whereas in 1953, Charles H. Townes, along brates the 50th anniversary of the cre- sandr Prokhorov, for their work in with graduate students James Gordon and ation of the first laser. quantum electronics, which laid the Herbert Zeiger produced the first master de- The world’s first laser was operated groundwork for the construction of la- vice, which was a precursor to the laser that on May 16, 1960. It was constructed by relied on microwave radiation instead of sers. visible or infrared radiation; Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research We rely on lasers in our daily lives, Whereas concurrent to Charles H. Townes’ Laboratories in Malibu, California. and they are found in everyday prod- activities, Nikolay Basov and Aleksandr This was a significant engineering and ucts, such as laser printers, barcode Prokhorov of the Soviet Union independ- scientific feat. scanners, and numerous medical de- ently produced a maser with significant Theodore Maiman’s work was pre- vices. The world sales of lasers are esti- technical advances which allowed contin- ceded by theoretical work by Charles mated at well over $5 billion to date. uous output; Townes, James Gordon, Herbert Zeiger, Today, in large part, we realize that Whereas Charles H. Townes, Nikolay Nikolay Basov, and Aleksandr Basov, and Aleksandr Prokhorov shared the great success stories, such as the con- 1964 Nobel Prize in Physics for their ‘‘funda- Prokhorov. Townes, Basov, and struction of lasers, are due to Amer- mental work in the field of quantum elec- Prokhorov won the 1964 Nobel Prize in ican ingenuity, which stems directly tronics’’, which led to the construction of Physics for their work. from the investment in basic research masers, and subsequently lasers; One of the peculiarities of the and in our outstanding institutions of Whereas in 1960, Theodore H. Maiman con- achievement of the invention of the higher learning. The laser is a prime structed the first functioning laser at laser is that, for many years after its example of basic research that ended Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, creation, the laser was an invention up having multiple applications well California, and the laser was first operated without many practical applications. on May 16, 1960; beyond what its creators could have Whereas Theodore H. Maiman was the re- However, as time went on, scientists ever conceived. cipient of the 1983/1984 Wolf Prize in Physics and engineers recognized the incredible The construction of the laser is but for his realization of the first operating potential of the laser. Today, the laser one example that leaves me confident laser; is almost ubiquitous. It can be found in in America’s place at the top of the sci- Whereas since being created in 1960, lasers almost every home, office, and auto- entific world. I applaud these great sci- have become an integral and essential part mobile in America. Lasers are also big entists for their contributions to our of our daily lives. Lasers can be found in a business, with annual laser sales ap- community, and I urge my colleagues wide range of applications including in com- proaching $6 billion per year, and grow- pact disc players, laser printers, barcode to do the same. scanners, digital video devices (DVDs), in- ing. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance dustrial welders, and surgical apparatus, The story of the laser is illustrative of my time. amongst others; of how investments in basic R&D can Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I would Whereas total global sales of lasers in 2010 have huge economic and scientific im- just ask that my colleagues support is expected to top 5.9 billion dollars; plications down the road. It is a story this resolution, H. Res. 1310, and I yield Whereas innovations flowing from basic re- to remember well as this Congress pre- back the balance of my time. search such as the laser have made America pares to take up the America COM- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The into the world leader in technology develop- PETES Reauthorization Act in the question is on the motion offered by ment; Whereas continued support of scientific re- coming weeks. the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. search programs is indispensible to main- I would like to take a moment to rec- FUDGE) that the House suspend the taining America’s position as the global ognize the sponsor of this resolution, rules and agree to the resolution, H. leader in technology and innovation; and Dr. VERN EHLERS. It is my under- Res. 1310.

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