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May 24, 2005

Gordon Comment on Nomination of National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Director

(Washington, DC) U.S. House Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) today commended the long-awaited announcement of the nominee for director of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).

Dr. William "Bill" Jeffrey, former Deputy to the Assistant Director for Homeland and National Security at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), was nominated for the post this afternoon by President Bush.

NIST has had either a part-time or acting director since February 2004.

Rep. Gordon commented:

"The federal government's involvement in science and technology research is crucial to U.S. leadership in the international community and key to our country's future economic growth. It is well past time that a new NIST director be put in place."

"Dr. Jeffrey brings a wide range of interests and expertise to this office and I look forward to meeting him. I'm hopeful we can work together toward full funding for all NIST programs, including vital local job generators like the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and the Advanced Technology Program (ATP)."

"I also want to commend Dr. Hratch Semerjian on his outstanding job as NIST acting director during this interim period."

MEP and ATP have repeatedly been targeted for elimination by the Administration in spite of the fact that these programs are among the most productive in creating jobs and aiding businesses in local communities

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