[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO PATRICK H. WINDHAM

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I wish to pay a tribute to an 
individual who, in his service as a staff member in the U.S. Senate, 
has exemplified the qualities we all look for in a public servant, 
colleague, and human being. Patrick H. Windham just completed well over 
a decade of service in the Senate, always in some association with the 
Senator of South Carolina, Senator Hollings, whom he holds in such 
obvious and deep esteem. Pat and his family are relocating to 
California to begin new professional opportunities. He will be sorely 
missed here by a wide range of admirers and colleagues in the Senate, 
the Clinton administration, and the extensive circle of people and 
organizations concerned with the issues that Pat has been so intensely 
involved with.
  Educated at Stanford and Berkeley, and dubbed the ``Godfather of 
Science and Tech'' by colleagues, Pat began his public service career 
in 1982 as a legislative assistant to Senator Hollings. Two years 
later, Pat was assigned to the Subcommittee on Science, Technology and 
Space and since has served as a invaluable senior advisor on this 
extensive range of issues to various members of the committee. Over the 
years, Pat has served with strong loyalty to the Senate and dedication 
to the public policy interests of the country as a whole.
  My relationship with Pat stems from my own service as a member of the 
Senate Commerce Committee, and when I became chairman of the Science 
Subcommittee. With Pat assigned to the subcommittee, we have worked 
closely for years on legislative endeavors and the issues that fall in 
this jurisdiction. No one matches Pat's breadth of expertise, 
professional dedication, and personal commitment. I feel highly 
fortunate to be the beneficiary of his extensive talent and 
contributions.
  Pat Windham's involvement in science and technology policy and 
legislation could fill volumes. Pat was instrumental in the 1988 
conversion of the National Bureau of Standards [NBS] into the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST]. He strongly advocated 
expanding the mission of the old NBS. Thanks in large part to Pat 
Windham, NIST's mission now explicitly includes enhancing the 
competitiveness of American companies by providing appropriate 
governmental support for industry's development of precompetitive 
generic technologies and diffusing Government-developed technological 
advances to use in all segments of the American economy. Pat has 
tirelessly continued his involvement in framing NIST's role in U.S. 
policy in today's era of cutbacks.
  Pat also contributed heavily to the development of The Advanced 
Technology Program [ATP] and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership 
[MEP]. Each of these programs grew out of real concerns over the 
competitiveness of American companies in the global marketplace. 
Created by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, ATP 
encourages public and private cooperation in the development of 
precompetitive technologies with broad application across industries. 
Pat argued fiercely for retaining this successful program in the face 
of last Congress' attempt at eliminating this public-private industrial 
partnership. His dedication to these issues certainly contributed to 
the President's support of the ATP program, and its continued success. 
The Clinton administration's strong support of a program led to an 
increase in ATP funding in fiscal year 1997. And, today, the ATP awards 
almost 300 public-private partnership projects.

  Pat Windham's contributions do not end here. He has been involved in 
technology-related projects including efforts promoting national metric 
conversion. He has steadfastly encouraged and promoted the translation 
of Japanese scientific and technological documents for use by 
scientists and engineers across the globe. His public policy concerns 
also have included legislative efforts to ensure that foreign-component 
parts meet U.S. standards for quality.
  The Senate, and that includes me in particular, will miss Pat and his 
superb abilities as we address the vital issues in which he has been 
part. His dedication and loyalty have served as a role model for all 
those around him. On behalf of my own staff and myself, I offer good 
wishes to him and feel confident Pat will continue making a vital 
contribution to his fellow citizens and the country in his next 
chapter.

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