[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 126 (Monday, September 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN 
 ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE CONGRESSIONAL SCIENCE AND 
                     ENGINEERING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2003

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce a resolution 
recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Congressional Science and 
Engineering Fellowship Program coordinated by the American Association 
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This is a truly valuable 
educational program from the perspective of both Members of Congress 
and the fellows that serve in it. It gives Ph.D.-level scientists a 
wonderful opportunity to step out of the lab and into the political 
process. They get a behind the scenes look at how our laws are made by 
working as legislative assistants in Congressional offices--writing 
speeches, developing legislation, and serving as liaisons to Committees 
on which a Member serves. At the same time, Members of Congress and 
other policy makers gain a valuable new resource to help them better 
understand the scientific and technical issues underpinning complex 
policy debates. Six different fellows have served on my staff and each 
one used their unique talents and understanding to help shape my 
legislative agenda.
  After 30 years this program is still going strong. Over 800 
scientists have now served Republican, Democratic and Independent 
Members of Congress, and many are currently working for Congress and 
the Administration. These individuals have contributed not only their 
scientific expertise but also a fresh perspective to policymaking.
  Congratulations to AAAS for organizing this program, and, also to all 
the sponsoring scientific, engineering, and mathematical societies that 
provide financial support.

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