Paul Tonko: “You speak to the innovation, you speak to research, and to me that speaks to the DNA of our Nation, which has always…”

“You speak to the innovation, you speak to research, and to me that speaks to the DNA of our Nation, which has always been this pioneer spirit. It's what's paid tribute to on this floor when policies such as that which you just describe are promoted. It's embracing that pioneer spirit, knowing that there are better ways, better opportunities out there and better avenues to travel. Let's pursue that with this utmost bit of pioneer spirit. I represent a district that was the donor area to the Erie Canal-- you've heard me talk about this--that provided for the Westward Movement and the Industrial Revolution. It was America at her best, believing in herself, listening to the needs of workers, listening to the ideas of workers and moving forward, embracing that sort of pioneer spirit and building the research opportunities. I'm thinking of line- loss along our electric grid system. Think about what we can save in terms of energy supplies and in dollars if we moved forward with the superconductive cable research project.”