House Passes Lofgren Resolution Honoring Tech Innovators

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 935, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), congratulating Drs. John E. Warnock and Charles M. Geschke of Adobe Systems, Dr. Esther Sans Takeuchi, Dr. Forrest M. Bird, and IBM Corporation as the recipients of the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

March 9, 2010

Below is Rep. Lofgren’s statement on the bill:

Madam Speaker, today I rise as the proud sponsor of House Resolution 935, congratulating Drs. John E. Warnock and Charles M. Geschke of Adobe Systems, Dr. Esther Sans Takeuchi, Dr. Forrest M. Bird, and IBM Corporation as the recipients of the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation.The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is the highest honor for technological achievement bestowed by the President on leading innovators in the United States.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation has been awarded annually since 1985 and recognizes outstanding contributions to America’s economic, environmental, and social well-being through the development of technological products, processes, and innovation.

The purpose of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, we hope to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

The 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates include innovation and achievement in the display and dissemination of information, lifesaving medical technology, and computer design and development.

I’m particularly proud that two of the 2008 Medal recipients, Drs. John E. Warnock and Charles M. Geschke, hail from my district in San Jose, California. Drs. Warnock and Geschke, through their work at Adobe Systems, pioneered innovations that were crucial to the revolution in desktop publishing that began in the 1980s and continues today. The advances in desktop publishing had, and continue to have, a profound effect on the way we create and communicate information across mediums such as print, video, and Internet. It is fitting that today we recognize two individuals who have been influential in informing how we create, communicate, and interact with information; the work of Drs. Warnock and Geschke played a prominent role in ushering in what we know as “The Information Age.”

As a Member representing Silicon Valley, I know firsthand how technological and scientific innovations provide invaluable contributions to our society. Research and innovation have long been key drivers of our economy, particularly in the Bay Area. Advances in science, medicine, and technology will continue to shape our economy and our world. Therefore, it is vital that we encourage and recognize those who lead the way in these critical areas—those like our 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates. It is my hope that in spotlighting the very best in technology and innovation, we provide encouragement to the next generation of students, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and businesses to continue to invest their time, energy, expertise, and resources into creating the next era of technological achievement. It is through innovation and advancement in science and technology that we will continue to be a leader in the global economy, protect our environment, and improve the lives of all Americans.

Again, I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring the 2008 recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and I urge the passage of the resolution.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her eighth term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. She is the Chair of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. She also serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.