[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 196 (Monday, December 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     CONGRATULATING STEPHEN JOHNSON

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 9, 2019

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, today I wish to congratulate Dr. Stephen 
G. Johnson, a researcher at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). At its 
recent annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the American Nuclear Society 
(ANS) honored Dr.Johnson as a Fellow, which is the highest member 
status presented to an individual. Dr. Johnson was recognized for his 
outstanding accomplishments in nuclear science and technology, 
specifically highlighting his work in rebuilding the national 
radioisotope power system program for NASA's deep space exploration.
  Dr. Johnson holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in 
mathematics and chemistry from Lake Superior State University of 
Michigan and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Iowa State University. 
He currently serves as the director of the Space Nuclear Power and 
Isotope Technologies Division at INL's Materials and Fuels Complex.
  During his tenure at INL, Dr. Johnson has successfully reestablished 
the Radioisotope Power Systems program, initiated the Technical 
Integration Office for Radioisotope Power Systems, and most recently 
named the National Technical Director, for the Department of Energy's 
(DOE) national Space Nuclear Power program. Steve and his staff focus 
on cross-cutting initiatives, mission planning scenarios for nuclear 
power systems for DOE customers, such as NASA, and providing resources 
for various other needs for DOE's Space Nuclear Power department.
  For the last few years, Steve has been a regular visitor to Capitol 
Hill, presenting an overview of the Department of Energy space power 
work for NASA at lunches hosted by the Foundation For Nuclear Studies. 
This summer, my staff and I had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Johnson in 
his facility where they were assembling the radioisotope thermoelectric 
generator that will power the Mars 2020 Rover.
  It is a great privilege to congratulate Dr. Stephen G. Johnson on 
receiving this prestigious recognition, and I am grateful for his 
exceptional work in the field of nuclear science and technology. His 
accomplishments are a reminder of the many skilled researchers and 
scientists currently working and living in Idaho. Congratulations to 
Steve on his accomplishments and I thank him for all of his hard work.

                          ____________________