Jim Baird: “I would close my comments by sharing with Dr. Ehlers the observation of how important this research is. Our Nation, as a…”

“I would close my comments by sharing with Dr. Ehlers the observation of how important this research is. Our Nation, as a whole, just celebrated the men's and women's Final Four, and I am sure many Americans could list the names of who hit the final jump shot and who the star players were. That is fitting and appropriate. But on a daily basis, our lives are affected far more by the basic research conducted by the individuals we are honoring today, as Dr. Ehlers so eloquently put it. When the GPS system helps keep an aircraft on track, when radar works more efficiently, when medical devices work more successfully, when environmental applications are more efficient, all of that derives from the kinds of basic research that we are acknowledging and recognizing today. And while I think it is unrealistic to expect most Members of this Chamber, or certainly the general public, to know the names or the accomplishments of these individuals, it is absolutely fitting that this body recognize these individuals, and I think especially because some of them are Federal Government employees who well deserve our recognition and our honor. And so I join Chairman Ehlers in celebrating them, and I thank him for his support on this and for his leadership in the committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”