[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4623]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING OUR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES


                            Joshua Bienfang

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I come to the floor again today to once 
more honor another great Federal employee.
  I know the Presiding Officer and I, as well as some of our 
colleagues, recognize that in the State of New Mexico and the 
Commonwealth of Virginia and here in Washington, there are countless 
Federal employees who do great things in terms of public service and 
don't often get the recognition they deserve.
  As we debate the balance of this year's budget and think about the 
incredible issues in front of us in terms of our debt and deficit--
issues that have to be confronted--we also sometimes have to remember 
that our actions or our failure to act has enormous consequences on the 
people who defend our country, protect our homeland, or make sure the 
basic operations of government work. It could be making sure our 
Federal parks are open or making sure the folks here in Washington who 
are Federal police are on the job. Sometimes our failure to agree or 
our failure to come together on particularly the predictability of the 
balance of this fiscal year has an effect on their lives.
  That is not the subject of my purpose of rising today, but I do think 
it is important to bear that in mind as I continue the tradition that 
was started by Senator Kaufman last year of coming to the floor on a 
regular basis to honor Federal employees.
  Time and again, I have seen how the skills and dedication of Federal 
workers have yielded groundbreaking benefits for our country. Today, I 
wish to highlight a Federal worker who is at the forefront of modern 
technology.
  Joshua Bienfang is a physicist at the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology. He created a new method of transmitting encrypted 
messages in a 100-percent secure way by using quantum physics. I know 
the Presiding Officer is an expert in quantum physics. I, 
unfortunately, am not. But since there are so many business operations 
in the great State of New Mexico, I know he is very familiar with these 
subjects, but I still have a great deal to learn. My understanding is 
that in practical terms, this means that message interceptors will be 
unable to capture sensitive information--critically important to 
protecting the homeland.
  Prior to Mr. Bienfang's breakthrough, quantum cryptography was 
thought to be a largely experimental means of transmission. But he was 
able to both secure messages and speed up their delivery. In fact, this 
technology has set world speed records in the quantum cryptographic 
field. I know the Presiding Officer probably knows what those speed 
records are. I don't know. His background in quantum physics makes him 
understand that, but I think it is a very remarkable achievement.
  Without a doubt, Mr. Bienfang's discovery will be greatly important 
to our national security as well as commerce and equally important to 
the privacy of medical records. His work also demonstrates the 
diversity of our Federal workforce. While we may have our fair share of 
bureaucrats, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of 
scientists and researchers doing cutting-edge work within the Federal 
Government and applying their intellect to benefit the American people.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating Joshua Bienfang 
as well as those at the National Institute of Standard and Technology 
on their success, which will no doubt aid Americans in the years to 
come.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and note the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the period of 
the quorum calls between now and 2 p.m. be equally divided between both 
sides.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. WARNER. I yield the floor and note the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be 
allowed to engage in a colloquy with my colleague from Texas.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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