[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 8, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING ROSS FREEMAN FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE

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                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2024

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ross Freeman for 
his historic contributions to the Scientific and Technological 
communities
  One of the UP's very own, Mr. Freeman grew up on a farm near 
Engadine. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1969 and 
received his master's degree from the University of Illinois in 1971.
  Mr. Freeman invented the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a 
computer chip which revolutionized programming as we know it. The FPGA 
created what came to be known as ``open gates,'' which allowed 
engineers brand new reprogramming capabilities to adapt to changing 
standards and specifications and make last second changes to designs.
  Mr. Freeman further revolutionized the tech industry with his unique 
hypotheses and worked to make those customizable chips affordable for 
everyone.
  His incredible life was unfortunately cut short at the age of 41, not 
long after his vision for the future began taking shape. However, his 
contributions to society are immense and will be remembered by proud 
Yoopers all across our great state.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ross Freeman for his 
contributions to both the Scientific Community and our Nation as a 
whole.

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