Semiconductor Industry Association Honors Congressman John Sweeney and DARPA Director Anthony Tether; Leaders Recognized for Support of Education and Research

Business Wire, March 16, 2006

WASHINGTON -- Congressman John E. Sweeney (R-NY) and Dr. Anthony J. Tether, director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) were recognized by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today for their leadership in supporting critical scientific research at leading US universities. Congressman Sweeney was awarded the annual SIA Congressional Leadership Award, and Dr. Tether was awarded the annual SIA Administration Leadership Award. This year's honors were announced at the association's annual Washington conference.

"Congressman John Sweeney's efforts were critical in securing matching funds for the Focus Center Research Program (FCRP), a collaborative effort of the federal government, the semiconductor industry, and more than 30 leading universities across the country," said SIA President George Scalise. "The FCRP is critical to ensuring America's global leadership in semiconductor technology, which in turn is vital to economic growth and national security. Congressman Sweeney also played a leading role in passing other legislation important to the technology sector, including DR-CAFTA, improved intellectual property protection, and broadband deployment," Scalise said.

"Dr. Anthony Tether understands the important links between America's innovation-based economy, national security, and leadership in driving critical research," said Scalise. "Dr. Tether has been a strong supporter of the Focus Center program and as director of DARPA has made important contributions to the ongoing effectiveness of this unique collaborative effort between government, industry, and academia."

About SIA

The SIA is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and has represented U.S. semiconductor companies since 1977. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic workforce of 225,000 people. More information about the SIA can be found at www.sia-online.org.