WASHINGTON – Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), a groups that represents more than 950 biotechnology companies, academic institutions and related organizations. Its members are involved in research and development of health care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

In presenting the award, BIO cited Rep. Cardin's leadership concern legislation vital to the biotechnology industry, particularly his support of research and development. They singled out Rep. Cardin's Medical Research Investment Act and his support of a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries as important to the biotechnology industry.

"This industry is critical to improving the health care of Americans. The new drugs that are now available to millions of people are a direct result of the work done by the biotechnology industry. The new drugs you discover bring hope to millions of Americans," said Rep. Cardin in accepting the Award.

In addition to Rep. Cardin, the Biotechnology Industry Organization also honored Sens. Tim Hutchinson, Edward Kennedy, Susan Collins and Reps. Robert Matsui and Jennifer Dunn.