[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 51 (Monday, May 1, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WEEK

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I proudly rise today in recognition 
of National Science and Technology Week. Since 1985, the National 
Science Foundation has used this opportunity to celebrate and bring 
awareness to the scientific and technological wonders that encompass 
our lives.
  American spirit and determination have created advancements our 
society could not have imagined a mere 50 years ago. As the world 
embraces the new information age, our quality of life has been the 
benefactor. Telecommunications and the Internet have brought billions 
of people together, while biotechnology research gives hope to solving 
many of our world's medical mysteries. Environmental technology allows 
increased sustainability of our precious natural resources and space 
sciences open up new and exciting worlds.
  Science, education, and community organizations all over the U.S. are 
participating in National Science and Technology Week. Clearly, 
promoting the awareness of science and technology to the public 
benefits everyone. In particular, piquing the interest of children has 
been proven to instill a lifetime of learning. The importance of a 
strong scientific education is indisputable, for the skills we learn as 
children prove invaluable on a daily basis in adult life. Here in 
Congress, the legislative process utilizes scientific reasoning methods 
to pinpoint problems, research solutions, experiment, and choose the 
best course of action.
  I am proud of my efforts during the 106th Congress to secure $5 
million in funding for improvements to the Minnesota Valley National 
Wildlife Refuge and National Park Services operations in the new 
Science Museum of Minnesota. Our state-of-the-art museum allows all 
Minnesotans the opportunity to experience wonders of science ranging 
from a face-to-face encounter with a polar bear to navigating a virtual 
towboat down the Mississippi River. I encourage all our citizens to 
plan a visit soon.
  As National Science and Technology Week activities are conducted 
across the country, it is my hope that all Americans reflect on the 
significance of science and technology in our society. In science, as 
in all of life, the only barriers we cannot overcome are those we do 
not attempt. Please join me this week in celebrating our achievements 
and potential.

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