[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E580-E581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO 2005 NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and honor Drs. Roy J. 
Glauber, John L. Hall, and Theodor Hansch for being awarded the Nobel 
Prize in Physics for 2005, and Drs. Yves Chauvin, Robert H. Grubbs, and 
Richard R. Schrock for being awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 
2005.
  The 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics encompasses the field of optics and 
its applications. The three gentlemen celebrated today are laser 
pioneers. Lasers have numerous practical applications, including in 
products such as CD players and grocery store scanners, for computer 
manufacturing, and in surgery.
  Roy Glauber gave a detailed, quantum mechanical description of the 
interaction of light and matter, thus creating the foundation for the 
field of quantum optics. Glauber's work also created the groundwork on 
the quantum theory of lasers.
  In addition, John Hall and Theodor Hansch received the prize for 
their contributions to the development of laser-based precision 
spectroscopy. This technique allows scientists to probe the atom with 
ever-increasing accuracy, explore the subtle intricacies of gravity, 
and lead to a better understanding of the pressing question of 
imbalance between the amounts of matter and antimatter in the universe.
  The work of the three in concert will lead, for instance, to the next 
generation satellite navigation systems, improving on GPS, which is 
widely used in both military and civilian transportation systems. 
Another major potential application of this research, quantum 
cryptography, which could impenetrably secure data transmission, is of 
interest to financial institutions and governments as the emerging

[[Page E581]]

knowledge economy requires the protection of information and ideas.
  I would also like to recognize Dr. Yves Chauvin, Professor Robert H. 
Grubbs, and Professor Richard R. Schrock who were awarded the 2005 
Nobel Prize in Chemistry for development of the metathesis method in 
organic synthesis. From the Greek words meaning to change position, 
metathesis methodology, and its variety of enabling catalysts, have 
become invaluable in the development and industrial scale production of 
polymers, fuel additives, biologically active compounds, and drugs.
  The formation and reorganization of carbon-carbon bonds is the heart 
of synthetic organic chemistry. Developing new techniques and methods 
for controlling carbon connectivity is critical to advancing an 
enormous range of scientific advancement and technological development.
  Methods like metathesis represent the very tools used by chemists 
around the world to build better drugs, better fuels, and better 
materials in ways that are cheaper, faster, and cleaner. Chemists 
around the world have incorporated metathesis reactions into production 
schemes for novel medicines and even materials used in bullet-proof 
vests; and the increased efficiency realized by metathesis reactions 
leads to less waste generated in the process.

  The work of these Noble laureates reverberates through technological 
developments and innovative engineering, resulting in the strengthening 
of our economy. The basic research which brought about the Nobel Prizes 
in 2005 was funded by agencies like the National Institutes of Health, 
the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, which are funded by the Federal Government.
  While much of the fundamental research performed or funded through 
these agencies may not immediately appear to have practical 
applications, we must recognize that today's chemical oddity or strange 
physical principle could be tomorrow's Nobel Prize. Yet, the total 
Federal research and development portfolio is taking a cut for the 
first time since 1996 in the President's fiscal year 2007 budget 
request.
  Mr. Speaker, the world is in transition right now. We, and the other 
industrialized nations of the world, are accelerating into a knowledge-
based global economy. We can make no assumptions that the United States 
will remain the dominant factor in this economy. Complacency will be 
our downfall.
  As we celebrate Nobel Prize winners and honor their work, we are 
slipping behind in the scramble for the top of the globalization 
mountain. Other nations are acting as we sit thinking of actions to 
take. The cultural shift required for our Nation to move forward and 
maintain a competitive edge over other nations begins with how the 
Federal Government spends its money. We must increase the funding for 
research and development to maintain our competitiveness.
  We must come together as one Congress, united across party lines, 
choosing to act for our future.

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