Etheridge Receives National Award for Support of Science Education

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

May 5, 2006

Contact: Joanne Peters
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Receives National Award for Support of Science Education

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) has received the Congressional Support for Science Award from the Institute of Food Technologists. Etheridge was honored for his work to support science education and biotechnology in North Carolina and across the nation.

"I am honored to receive this prestigious award," said Etheridge. "As the former Superintendent of North Carolina's public schools, I know firsthand how important science education is to the future of our economy. The federal government must support science education so that the nation is able to compete and win in the global marketplace of the 21st century."

Etheridge is a strong supporter of increased funding for education, science and research and development. He is a cosponsor of H.R. 1547, the Math and Science Incentive Act of 2005. The bill would pay the interest on loans for undergraduate students who major in math, science or engineering and agree to work five years in their respective fields.

"Food science needs more bright students to enter the profession and maintain the nation's status as leading producer of the world's most diverse and safest food supply," said IFT President Margaret Lawson. "Rep. Etheridge's unequivocal support for funding the sciences, including research on food biotechnology, shows outstanding leadership."

The Institute of Food Technologists is a scientific and educational society that seeks to advance the science and technology of food. IFT has been a leader in education of the U.S. Congress and agencies of the federal government on the importance of food science and technology and its role in strengthening an economy. The Congressional Support for Science Award is given to one member of Congress and one Senator each year who support efforts to make food-related policies based on sound science. Senator Robert Bennett of Utah was also given the award.

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