[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E336-E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE 2008 NATIONAL MEDAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 
                               LAUREATES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2010

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, today I rise as the 
proud sponsor of

[[Page E337]]

House Resolution 935, congratulating Drs. John E. Warnock and Charles 
M. Geschke of Adobe Systems, Dr. Esther Sans Takeuchi, Dr. Forrest M. 
Bird, and IBM Corporation as the recipients of the 2008 National Medal 
of Technology and Innovation. The National Medal of Technology and 
Innovation is the highest honor for technological achievement bestowed 
by the President on leading innovators in the United States.
  The National Medal of Technology and Innovation has been awarded 
annually since 1985 and recognizes outstanding contributions to 
America's economic, environmental, and social well-being through the 
development of technological products, processes, and innovation.
  The purpose of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation is to 
recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America's 
competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through 
technological innovation. By highlighting the national importance of 
technological innovation, we hope to inspire future generations of 
Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America 
at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.
  The 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates 
include innovation and achievement in the display and dissemination of 
information, lifesaving medical technology, and computer design and 
development.
  I'm particularly proud that two of the 2008 Medal recipients, Drs. 
John E. Warnock and Charles M. Geschke, hail from my district in San 
Jose, California. Drs. Warnock and Geschke, through their work at Adobe 
Systems, pioneered innovations that were crucial to the revolution in 
desktop publishing that began in the 1980s and continues today. The 
advances in desktop publishing had, and continue to have, a profound 
effect on the way we create and communicate information across mediums 
such as print, video, and Internet. It is fitting that today we 
recognize two individuals who have been influential in informing how we 
create, communicate, and interact with information; the work of Drs. 
Warnock and Geschke played a prominent role in ushering in what we know 
as ``The Information Age.''
  As a Member representing Silicon Valley, I know firsthand how 
technological and scientific innovations provide invaluable 
contributions to our society. Research and innovation have long been 
key drivers of our economy, particularly in the Bay Area. Advances in 
science, medicine, and technology will continue to shape our economy 
and our world. Therefore, it is vital that we encourage and recognize 
those who lead the way in these critical areas--those like our 2008 
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates. It is my hope 
that in spotlighting the very best in technology and innovation, we 
provide encouragement to the next generation of students, researchers, 
scientists, entrepreneurs, and businesses to continue to invest their 
time, energy, expertise, and resources into creating the next era of 
technological achievement. It is through innovation and advancement in 
science and technology that we will continue to be a leader in the 
global economy, protect our environment, and improve the lives of all 
Americans.
  Again, I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring the 2008 
recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and I 
urge the passage of the resolution.

                          ____________________