[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              2001 NATIONAL MEDAL OF TECHNOLOGY LAUREATES

 Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 2001 
National Medal of Technology Laureates, Dr. Arun N. Netravali of Murray 
Hill, NJ and Dr. Sidney Pestka of Piscataway, NJ.
  Dr. Arun Netravali is a leader in the field of communications 
systems. As the chief scientist of Lucent Technologies and past 
president of Bell Labs, he is being cited for his pioneering 
contributions that transformed television from analog to digital. His 
innovative algorithms have enabled the switch from analog to digital in 
numerous services, including broadcast television, CATV, DBS, and HDTV. 
Furthermore, his work has facilitated an entirely new set of products 
and services for the multimedia revolution over the Internet. Important 
communication services such as video conferencing and streaming over 
the Internet could not be done economically without Dr. Netravali's 
compression algorithms. He has also been singled out for this 
prestigious honor for his leadership. During his tenure, Dr. Netravali 
created, inspired and motivated teams to innovate, keeping Bell Labs at 
the forefront of revolutionary developments in technology.
  I would also like to recognize Dr. Sidney Pestka for his 
groundbreaking achievements that led to the development of the 
biotechnology industry. During his career, Dr. Pestka has made a 
remarkable series of discoveries and developments, often bucking 
prevailing beliefs and designing innovative solutions to problems along 
the way to success. His efforts have led to the development of the 
first recombinant interferons for the treatment of many viral diseases, 
cancers, and multiple sclerosis. Creating the foundation for more than 
100 U.S. and foreign patents, Dr. Pestka's work prepared the pathway 
for the development of many other biotherapeutic agents now used and 
stimulated the development of today's extensive biotechnology industry. 
He has fostered new industries in multiple area, developed new 
medicines for previously untreatable diseases, and brought new hope to 
those afflicted. Indeed, his achievements in innovation and translation 
provide a role model for this and future generations.
  These two New Jerseyans embody the spirit of American innovation and 
have advanced our nation's global competitiveness and standard of 
living. Their groundbreaking contributions have commercialized 
technologies, created jobs, improved productivity and stimulated the 
nation's growth and development. I commend them for their remarkable 
achievements and am honored to bring them to your attention.

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