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10th District New Jersey  Essex County | Hudson County | Union County

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"Congressman Payne has paid special attention to a number of issues including the welfare of children, the state of our environment, and the health of our nation."
 
For Immediate Release
November 13, 2007
Contact: Kerry McKenney
(202) 225-3436
 

Payne Bill on Edison National Historical Site Passes the House

Washington, DC – Today, the US House of Representatives passed by voice vote HR 2627, the Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison (LITE) Act.  This bill honors the life and accomplishments of New Jersey’s own Thomas Edison, whose innovations continue to shape our lives today.

Thomas Edison is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history.  In fact, he holds over 1,000 patents in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.  From the first industrial research laboratory to the first incandescent light bulb, Mr. Edison has had a hand in technological advancements that have helped to usher society into the modern times.  His keen eye for invention as well as business helped to spur America’s industrial revolution and continues to affect how business is done today.

The LITE Act will preserve the intellectual and physical accomplishments of Thomas Edison by commemorating his lifetime achievements; re-designating the Edison National Historic Site, located in West Orange, NJ, as a National Historic Park; and authorizing appropriations to support the site. 

Congressman Payne stated, “Mr. Edison’s home and research laboratory, in West Orange, has for many decades kept his legacy of innovation alive.  This historical site is an archive of some of America’s major milestones.  I am glad that we have the opportunity to honor him and his many achievements.”