WASHINGTON (04 March 2008) — Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.) will receive the 2008 George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award today for his leadership and commitment to ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in science and innovation.

Gordon, chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee, will be honored at a reception in the Rayburn House Office Building (rooms B339-340)from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30.

Gordon has been a tireless champion of the need to invest in America's future through strong federal funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics research and education. He was the lead House negotiator for the "America Competes Act" (H.R. 2272), authorization legislation that is designed to help the United States maintain its global leadership in science and technology. It was signed into law on 9 August 2007.

Gordon's award coincides with the 50th anniversary of what is now the House Science and Technology Committee. Stunned by the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik, the United States realized the need for a firm commitment to scientific and technological research and development. Formation of the committee was a key part of what was has become a great American success story: federal funding for science and technology research and education that has spurred innovation, created jobs and kept America on the leading edge of scientific discovery.

The George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award is presented annually by the Science, Engineering and Technology Work Group (SETWG) to members of Congress who are effective advocates of federal investment in science and technology. It is named for the late Rep. George E. Brown Jr., a longtime member of Congress who made outstanding contributions to federal support for science and technology over his distinguished congressional career.

The award is presented each year in conjunction with SETWG's Congressional Visits Day (CVD), the preeminent yearly event during which hundreds of scientists and engineers from around the country come to Washington for two days of briefings and visits to their members of Congress. More than 250 people are expected to participate in 2008 CVD events (4-5 March). Visit www.setcvd.org for more information.

SETWG, of which IEEE-USA is a member, is an information network of professional, scientific and engineering societies, higher education associations, institutions of higher learning and trade associations. It is concerned about the future vitality of the U.S. science, mathematics and engineering enterprise. See www.agiweb.org/cvd/setwgrst.html.

IEEE-USA advances the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of more than 215,000 engineers, scientists and allied professionals who are U.S. members of the IEEE. IEEE-USA is part of the IEEE, the world's largest technical professional society with 370,000 members in 160 countries. See www.ieeeusa.org.

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