[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 37 (Friday, March 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATIONS TO CONGRESSMAN VERNON J. EHLERS

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                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2003

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my colleague, 
Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers of Grand Rapids, MI, on receiving the 
prestigious 2002 Philip Hauge Abelson Prize.
  The Abelson Prize is awarded annually to honor a public servant for 
exceptional contributions to advancing science, or a scientist for a 
distinguished career of scientific achievement. It is granted by the 
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's 
largest general scientific organization and publisher of the journal, 
``Science.''
  This award is much deserved. Congressman Ehlers received his Ph.D. in 
nuclear physics from the University of California at Berkeley in 1960. 
In 1966 he began teaching at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI and 
later became chairman of the college's physics department. Following a 
distinguished career in teaching, scientific research and community 
service, Congressman Ehlers joined this body in 1994, becoming the 
nation's first research physicist elected to Congress. He serves the 
3rd Congressional District of Michigan, which directly borders the 
district I represent.
  While serving, Congressman Ehlers has employed his scientific 
expertise to the benefit of our country. In 1997 the House Speaker 
selected him to review and restate the nation's science policy. The 
study, ``Unlocking Our Future: Toward a New National Science Policy,'' 
was the first full policy statement on federal science and technology 
by the U.S. Congress. In addition, he currently serves as Chairman of 
the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards for the House 
Science Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Ehlers brings to this body both a unique 
scientific background and a strong commitment to use his knowledge and 
abilities for the public good. Please allow me to congratulate him once 
again on his most recent honor and thank him for his exemplary public 
service.

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