[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2013-S2017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 45--COMMEMORATING THE ``COLUMBIA'' ASTRONAUTS
Mrs. HUTCHISON (for herself, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Frist, Mr.
Daschle, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Graham of Florida, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Akaka,
Mr. Allard, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Allen, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Biden,
Mr. Bond, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Brownback, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Bunning, Mr.
Breaux, Mr. Burns, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Chafee,
Mr. Carper, Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Conrad, Mr.
Coleman, Mr. Corzine, Ms. Collins, Mr. Dayton, Mr. Craig, Mr. Dodd, Mr.
Crapo, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Edwards, Mr.
Domenici, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Ensign, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Enzi, Mr.
Harkin, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Hollings, Mr. Graham of South Carolina, Mr.
Inouye, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Gregg, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hagel,
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Kyl, Ms.
Landrieu, Mr. Lott, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Leahy, Mr. McCain,
Mr. Levin, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Murkowski, Mrs. Lincoln,
Mr. Nickles, Ms.
[[Page S2014]]
Mikulski, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Miller, Mr. Santorum, Mrs. Murray, Mr.
Sessions, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Smith, Mr.
Reed, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Reid, Mr. Specter, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Stevens,
Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Sununu, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Talent, Ms. Stabenow, Mr.
Thomas, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Voinovich, and Mr. Warner) submitted the
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 45
Whereas the United States of America and the world mourn
the seven astronauts who perished aboard the Space Shuttle
Columbia on February 1, 2003, as they re-entered Earth's
atmosphere at the conclusion of their 16-day mission;
Whereas United States Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband,
Mission Commander; United States Navy Commander William
``Willie'' McCool, Pilot; United States Air Force Lieutenant
Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Payload Commander/Mission
Specialist; United States Navy Captain David M. Brown,
Mission Specialist; United States Navy Commander Laurel Blair
Salton Clark, Mission Specialist; Dr. Kalpana Chawla, Mission
Specialist; and Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan Ramon, Payload
Specialist were killed in the line of duty during the 113th
Space Shuttle Mission;
Whereas we stand in awe of the courage necessary to break
the bonds of Earth and venture into space, with full
knowledge of the perils and complexities inherent in such an
endeavor;
Whereas the people of the United States and the world have
enjoyed rich benefits from the space program including
technological advances in medicine, communications, energy,
agronomy, and astronomy;
Whereas we in the Congress of the United States recognize
that curiosity, wonder and the desire to improve life on
Earth has inspired our exploration of space and these traits
epitomize the intrinsic dreams of the human race;
Whereas, despite these lofty goals, we realize that our
reach for the stars will never be without risk or peril, and
setbacks will always be a part of the human experience;
Whereas we recognize our solemn duty to devote our finest
minds and resources toward minimizing these risks and
protecting the remarkable men and women who are willing to
risk their lives to serve mankind; and
Whereas we will always hold in our hearts the seven
intrepid souls of Columbia, as well as those explorers who
perished before, including those aboard Apollo I and the
Space Shuttle Challenger: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) the tragedy which befell the Space Shuttle Columbia
shall not dissuade or discourage this Nation from venturing
ever farther into the vastness of space;
(2) today we restate our firm commitment to exploring the
planets and celestial bodies of our Solar System, and beyond;
(3) we express our eternal sorrow and heartfelt condolences
to the families of the seven astronauts;
(4) we convey our condolences to our friends and allies in
the state of Israel over the loss of Colonel Ilan Ramon, the
first Israeli in space;
(5) we will never forget the sacrifices made by the seven
heroes aboard Columbia; and
(6) we shall learn from this tragedy so that these
sacrifices shall not have been in vain.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 46--DESIGNATING MARCH 31, 2003, AS ``NATIONAL
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS DAY''
Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Mr. Bond, Mr. Lugar, Mr. DeWine, Mrs.
Feinstein, and Mr. Kennedy) submitted the following resolution; which
was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 46
Whereas the Civilian Conservation Corps, commonly known as
the CCC, was an independent Federal agency that deserves
recognition for its lasting contribution to natural resources
conservation and infrastructure improvements on public lands
in the United States and for its outstanding success in
providing employment and training to thousands of Americans;
Whereas March 31, 2003, is the 70th anniversary of the
signing by President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the law
historically known as the Emergency Conservation Work Act, a
precursor to the 1937 law that established the Civilian
Conservation Corps;
Whereas, between 1933 and 1942, the CCC provided employment
and vocational training in the conservation and development
of natural resources, the protection of forests, and the
construction and maintenance of military reservations to more
than 3,000,000 men, including unemployed youths, more than
250,000 veterans of the Spanish-American War and World War I,
and more than 80,000 Native Americans;
Whereas the CCC coordinated a mobilization of men,
material, and transportation on a scale never previously
known in time of peace;
Whereas the CCC managed more than 4,500 camps in each of
the then 48 States and Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the
Virgin Islands;
Whereas the CCC left a legacy of natural resources and
infrastructure improvements that included 3,000,000,000 new
trees, 46,854 bridges, 3,980 restored historical structures,
more than 800 state parks, 3,462 improved beaches, 405,037
signs, markers, and monuments, 8,045 wells and pump houses,
and 63,256 other structures;
Whereas the benefits of many CCC projects are still enjoyed
by Americans today in national and state parks, forests, and
other lands, including the National Arboretum in the District
of Columbia, Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, Great
Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and
Tennessee, Yosemite National Park in California, Acadia
National Park in Maine, Rocky Mountain National Park in
Colorado, and Vicksburg National Military Park in
Mississippi;
Whereas the CCC provided a foundation of self-confidence,
responsibility, discipline, cooperation, communication, and
leadership for its participants through education, training,
and hard work, and participants made many lasting friendships
in the CCC;
Whereas the CCC demonstrated the commitment of the United
States to the conservation of land, water, and natural
resources on a national level and to leadership in the world
on public conservation efforts; and
Whereas the conservation of the Nation's land, water, and
natural resources is still an important goal of the American
people: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate requests the President to issue a
proclamation--
(1) designating March 31, 2003, as ``National Civilian
Conservation Corps Day''; and
(2) calling on the people of the United States to observe
the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit a resolution
today with Senators Bond, Lugar, DeWine, Feinstein, and Kennedy,
designating March 31, 2003 as ``National Civilian Conservation Corps
Day''. This day will mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the
Act that created the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC.
In 1933, with our country in the grip of the Depression, President
Franklin D. Roosevelt created the CCC to provide work and training for
the many young men who so needed it, and to achieve the goal of
protecting our Nation's precious natural resources. The program
continued until 1942, when resources were shifted to support efforts in
World War II and an estimated 75 percent of ex-CCCers joined the
military.
The accomplishments of the CCC between 1933 and 1942 are amazing by
any standard. The program put over 3 million young men to work on
natural resources conservation and public lands infrastructure
improvements in camps in every State and the then-territories of Alaska
and Hawaii, planting more than 3 billion trees, and developing more
than 800 State parks.
As importantly, the lives of these young men were often dramatically
changed for the better by their enrollment. Many traveled for the first
time, learned new trades, and developed self-confidence and discipline,
while sending much-needed money home. Thousands of alumni remain active
in 167 local chapters of the National Association of Civilian
Conservation Corps Alumni Association, including the Roadrunner Chapter
in my home State. They still meet and share the bonds of friendship and
hard work they forged during their time in the CCC.
This resolution would pay tribute to the lasting contribution of the
CCC to natural resources conservation and infrastructure improvements,
and to its outstanding success in providing employment and training to
millions of Americans. I was pleased that the Senate commemorated the
69th anniversary of the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps
last year, and I hope the Senate will again honor the CCC on its 70th
anniversary.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 47--AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY THE COMMITTEE ON
AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
Mr. COCHRAN submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; which was referred to the
Committee on Rules and Administration:
S. Res. 47
Resolved, That, in carrying out its powers, duties, and
functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in
accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of such
rules, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings,
and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8
of rule XXVI
[[Page S2015]]
of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized from March
1, 2003, through September 30, 2003; October 1, 2003, to
September 30, 2004; and October 1, 2004, through February 28,
2005, in its discretion (1) to make expenditures from the
contingent fund of the Senate, (2) to employ personnel, and
(3) with the prior consent of the Government department or
agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and
Administration, to use on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable
basis the services of personnel of any such department or
agency.
Sec. 2. (a) The expenses of the committee for the period
March 1, 2003, through September 30, 2003, under this
resolution shall not exceed $1,949,860, of which amount (1)
not to exceed $150,000 may be expended for the procurement of
the services of individual consultants, or organizations
thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to
exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the
professional staff of such committee (under procedures
specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization
Act of 1946).
(b) For the period October 1, 2003, through September 30,
2004, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall
not exceed $3,431,602, of which amount (1) not to exceed
$150,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services
of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as
authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to
exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the
professional staff of such committee (under procedures
specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization
Act of 1946).
(c) For the period October 1, 2004, through February 28,
2005, expenses of the committee under this resolution shall
not exceed $1,462,700, of which amount (1) not to exceed
$150,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services
of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as
authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended), and (2) not to
exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the
professional staff of such committee (under procedures
specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization
Act of 1946).
Sec. 3. The committee shall report its findings, together
with such recommendations for legislation as it deems
advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date,
but not later than February 28, 2005.
Sec. 4. Expenses of the committee under this resolution
shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon
vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee, except
that vouchers shall not be required (1) for the disbursement
of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate, or (2) for
the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of
the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or
(3) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased through
the Keeper of the Stationery, United States Senate, or (4)
for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate, or (5)
for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment
provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and
Doorkeeper, United States Senate, or (6) for the payment of
Senate Recording and Photographic Services or (7) for payment
of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Arms and
Doorkeeper, United States Senate.
Sec. 5. There are authorized such sums as may be necessary
for agency contributions related to the compensation of
employees of the committee from March 1, 2003, through
September 30, 2003; October 1, 2003, through September 30,
2004; and October 1, 2004, through February 28, 2005 to be
paid from the Appropriations account for ``Expenses of
Inquiries and Investigations''.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 48--DESIGNATING APRIL 2003 AS ``FINANCIAL LITERACY
FOR YOUTH MONTH''
Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Corzine, Mr. Johnson, Mr.
Sarbanes, Mr. Schumer, and Ms. Stabenow) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 48
Whereas the percentage of income used for household debt
payments, including mortgages, credit cards, and student
loans, rose to the highest level in more than a decade in
2001 and remained at 14 percent in 2002;
Whereas consumer bankruptcies in 2001 increased 19 percent
over those in the previous year, exceeding the previous high
reached in 1998, and the rate of filings did not slacken
during the first 9 months of 2002;
Whereas personal savings as a percentage of Gross Domestic
Product decreased from 7.5 percent in the early 1980s to 2.4
percent in 2002;
Whereas approximately 40,000,000 Americans, the
``unbanked'', are not using mainstream, insured financial
institutions;
Whereas home foreclosures in 2002 reached the highest rate
in 30 years;
Whereas 55 percent of college students acquire their first
credit card during their first year in college, and 83
percent of college students have at least 1 credit card;
Whereas 45 percent of college students are in credit card
debt, with the average debt being $3,066;
Whereas only 26 percent of 13- to 21-year-olds reported
that their parents actively taught them how to manage money;
Whereas a 2002 study by the Jump$tart Coalition for
Personal Financial Literacy found that high school seniors
know even less about credit cards, retirement funds,
insurance, and other personal finance basics than seniors did
5 years ago;
Whereas a 2002 survey by the National Council on Economic
Education found that a decreasing number of States include
personal finance in their education standards for students in
grades K-12;
Whereas a greater understanding and familiarity with
financial markets and institutions will lead to increased
economic activity and growth;
Whereas financial literacy empowers individuals to make
wise financial decisions and reduces the confusion of an
increasingly complex economy;
Whereas personal financial management skills and long-lived
habits develop during childhood;
Whereas personal financial education is essential to ensure
that our youth are prepared to manage money, credit, and
debt, and become responsible workers, heads of households,
investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and citizens; and
Whereas the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial
Literacy, its State affiliates, and its partner organizations
have designated each April as ``Financial Literacy for Youth
Month'', the goal of which is to educate the public about the
need for increased financial literacy for youth in America:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates April 2003 as ``Financial Literacy for Youth
Month'' to raise public awareness about the need for
increased financial literacy in our schools and the serious
problems that may be associated with a lack of understanding
about personal finances; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling on the Federal Government, States, localities,
schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities,
and the people of the United States to observe the month with
appropriate programs and activities.
Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit, along with my
colleagues Senators Cochran, Corzine, Johnson, Sarbanes, Schumer, and
Stabenow, a resolution designating April of this year as Financial
Literacy for Youth Month. This resolution seeks to honor the many
activities that take place across the country every April, which
recognize the importance of increased financial and economic literacy
for all Americans, particularly our children.
As detailed in the resolution, more Americans are using a greater
proportion of their income to pay down their debt. In 2002, home
foreclosures were the highest rate in 30 years. Consumer bankruptcies
in 2001 reached an all-time high in more than a decade, and filings did
not slacken in 2002. Personal savings as a percentage of GDP have
decreased from 7.5 percent in the early '80s to 2.4 percent last year.
Unfortunately, the modern economy is extremely complex and many parents
are often unable to teach their children about money management.
According to the Jump$tart Coalition, only 26 percent of 13- to 21-
year-olds reported that their parents actively taught them how to
manage money.
As noted by the Treasury Department, nearly 40 million Americans are
``unbanked,'' which means that they do not have a formal relationship
with a mainstream financial institution. The unbanked are unable to
take advantage of saving and borrowing opportunities offered by banks
and credit unions. Unbanked individuals are susceptible to being taken
advantage of by check cashers, payday lenders, and refund anticipation
loan providers. Personal financial education can empower the unbanked
to participate in and benefit from services of mainstream financial
service providers.
While various financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and
consumer groups are trying to educate Americans about their finances,
we are still not doing enough. I was disturbed to see the results of a
2002 study by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
showing that high school seniors knew even less about credit cards,
retirement funds, insurance, and other personal finance fundamentals,
than did seniors five years ago. Perhaps this is why almost half of
college students with credit cards have been assessed fees for late
payment. In addition, the 2000 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study
reported that nearly three-quarters of the college students owned a
credit card in their own name. Of these students, 45
[[Page S2016]]
percent carried a credit card debt balance of $3,066. I was further
troubled to see a 2002 survey by the National Council on Economic
Education showing a decrease in the number of states that include
personal finance in their education standards for grades K- through-12.
At a time when we should be emphasizing the importance of financial
literacy, school-based efforts in this area are actually being de-
emphasized.
This is why it is imperative for us to designate a month to serve as
the focus for increasing awareness about the need for financial
literacy. It is also important to encourage innovative, interactive,
and quality events with long-lasting impact that will bring the point
home to our children about the importance of financial literacy. I
would like to commend those individuals, many of whom are members of
the Jump$tart Coalition, for the activities that they already sponsor
to increase the level of financial literacy in our country.
For example, the American Bankers Association Education Foundation
sponsors National Teach Children to Save Day, which involves thousands
of bankers visiting classrooms nationwide to help students in K-
through-12 with their ``financial ABC's.'' NASDAQ Stock Market
Educational Foundation and the National Council on Economic Education
recognize 25 teachers for their innovative approaches to economic
education. Last year during Financial Literacy for Youth Month, Junior
Achievement paired up with The Goldman Sachs Foundation to create
Internet-driven instructional strategies and hands-on, interactive
instructional techniques to teach students and parents about everyday
personal financial decisions and investment strategies. Credit unions
across the nation have engaged in a variety of activities, including
financial management classes and the distribution of literature, to
increase the financial literacy of youth and their parents. There are
many, many other activities that take place during this month, and I
congratulate organizations sponsoring them for keeping the needs of
America's youth close at heart. A strong show of support from this body
and the Administration for Financial Literacy for Youth Month will go a
long way toward ensuring that our students will benefit from an
increased level of financial literacy through similar activities in
2003.
Many parents fail to speak to their children about credit and debt
management or ways to live within limited resources, likely because
they did not receive education in these matters themselves. My
colleagues and I will work to address the myriad financial and economic
literacy needs of these individuals and families. However, we must
emphasize the importance of helping those who are children now. Those
who are still going through their formative years of schooling. Those
who can learn and put into practice good personal financial management
skills and lifelong habits that will stay with them, throughout their
lives. Perhaps then, these students will grow into adults who will
avoid skyrocketing levels of debt, the pitfalls that could cause them
to file bankruptcy, or being taken advantage of by unscrupulous or
opportunistic lenders. Perhaps then, they will be able to pass along
similar wisdom to their children at an even earlier age, and better
equip their children with the tools necessary to become responsible
workers, heads of households, investors, entrepreneurs, business
leaders, and citizens.
I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
______
SENATE RESOLUTION 49--DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 11, 2003, AS ``NATIONAL
INVENTORS' DAY''
Mr. HATCH (for himself and Mr. Leahy) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 49
Whereas the American people and the world have benefited
from the creations and discoveries of America's inventors;
and
Whereas the patents that protect those creations and
discoveries spur technological progress, improve the quality
of life, stimulate the economy, and create jobs for
Americans: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) honors the important role played by inventors in
promoting progress in the useful arts;
(2) recognizes the invaluable contribution of inventors to
the welfare of the people of the United States;
(3) designates February 11, 2003, as ``National Inventors'
Day''; and
(4) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling
upon the people of the United States to celebrate such day
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I rise today
to submit a resolution to designate February 11, 2003, as ``National
Inventors' Day,'' together with my colleague, the Ranking Minority
Member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy. The Ranking Minority
Member and I have worked together on many issues related to
intellectual property, and I am pleased to be joined by him in offering
this resolution designating the anniversary of perhaps America's
greatest inventor, Thomas Edison, as a day to honor all of America's
inventors.
Doing so is particularly fitting this year. Exactly one hundred years
ago this year, on the shores of Kitty Hawk, NC, Orville and Wilbur
Wright achieved what mankind had dreamed of for centuries: the first
heavier-than-air, machine-powered flight in the world. While that
flight covered only 120 feet and lasted only 12 seconds, it launched a
revolution in air travel that continues to this day.
Throughout history, inventions have helped people discover new
worlds, build communities, and cure sickness and disease. From the
Wright Brothers to Philo Farnsworth, from Thomas Edison to today's high
tech entrepreneurs, America's inventors have immeasurably enriched our
lives. America's technological prowess and high standard of living all
stems from the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial drive of
men and women who turned dreams into realities.
It is no coincidence that the United States is the most powerful
technological force in history. Nor is it a coincidence that creative
people from all over the world flock to our shores to pursue their
dreams.
Our Founding Fathers understood that an agrarian Nation would never
grow to be an economic and technological giant unless there was an
incentive for inventors to create and for other inventors to study and
improve upon the creations. From this foresight, enshrined in Article 1
section 8 of our Constitution, came the American system of intellectual
property protection, which give inventors and authors the ability to
enjoy, for a limited period of time, the exclusive economic benefits of
their genius.
One of the most significant results of the Founders' foresight was
the creation of the U.S. patent system, which today has issued over six
million patents--from the light bulb to life-saving pharmaceuticals.
What the patent system really comes down to is what President Lincoln,
a patent holder himself, noted many years ago: it ``adds the fuel of
interest to the spark of genius.''
Today intellectual property-based enterprises, patents, trademarks,
and copyrights, represent the largest single sector of the American
economy--almost 5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product--and employ
over 4 million Americans. More than 50 percent of U.S. exports now
depend on some form of IP protection.
America is forever indebted to our inventors. So this year, on the
centennial of mankind's first flight, I hope my colleagues will join me
in recognizing February 11 as ``National Inventors' Day.''
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, more than 200 years ago, on July 30, 1790,
Samuel Hopkins, a resident of Vermont, was granted the first United
States patent. He had discovered a process for making potash, and was
awarded his patent by President George Washington, Attorney General
Edmund Randolph and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.
Samuel Hopkins is just one of the many resourceful and creative
inventors from Vermont. The town of Brandon can boast Thomas Davenport,
a self-educated blacksmith interested in electricity and magnetism.
Through hands-on experiments with electromagnets, he built the first
true electric motor in 1834. Initially, his patent request was denied
because there was no prior patent on electric machinery. But he
garnered the support of numerous professors and philosophers who
examined his invention
[[Page S2017]]
and endorsed his right to a patent on his novel device. In 1837, his
determinism paid off, and he secured a patent.
John Deere was born in Rutland, VT and spent most of his early life
in Middlebury. After moving out West, John Deere realized the cast-iron
plows he and other settlers brought with them were not going to work in
the Midwest soil. He studied the problem and developed the first
successful steel plow using steel from a broken saw blade. This new
steel plow became the key for successful farming in the West, and
``John Deere'' is still synonymous with farming equipment today.
Vermont continues to be a leader in inventing and obtaining patents.
My State ranks fourth in the Nation for number of patents issued. IBM's
Essex Junction Plant, which designs and makes computer technology for a
wide range of products, received 411 patents from the U.S. Patent &
Trademark Office in 2002. Vermont's plant also has 18 inventors who
together have earned more than 600 patents. One of those inventors is
Steve Voldman, the top patent winner. Over the past 10 years, he has
received 110 patents. In 2002, he received 29. Many of his 2002 patents
had to do with silicon germanium, a new technology that has produced
the world's fastest chip.
Today's inventors are individuals in a shop, garage or home lab. They
are teams of scientists working in our largest corporations or at our
colleges and universities. In the spirit of independent inventors,
small businesses, venture capitalists and larger corporations in
Vermont and all over the United States, I would like to recognize
February 11, 2003, as National Inventors' Day.
____________________