Technology (October 2009)

Since I was first elected to Congress in 1990, I’ve sought to promote a smaller, more accountable government.

Federal technologists hope cloud computing will  save money and time for federal employees.

In 1965, Intel co-founder Gordon Moore made a prediction about the speed of innovation in the electronics industry. To paraphrase, he posited that the number of transistors on a chip would double about every two years. During the ensuing 40 years, this prediction proved to be so accurate that it is now known as “Moore’s Law.”

The whole apps.gov and cloud computing approach offers new technology that can help government people serve the public better. It uses current technologies, particularly social media, to facilitate two-way communication between the citizenry and public servants. This approach also enables the rank-and-file, who really make things work, to tell leadership what’s really going on, and to improve internal processes.

The United States is positioned to become the world’s largest market for photovoltaics. That’s science-speak for solar energy — the process by which sunlight is converted directly into electricity. In order to achieve this goal, however, we need the collaboration of industry, government and academia to move forward with research and development.

This past weekend I was fortunate to be able to participate in a ceremony at my alma mater, Rice University, during the Rice/Navy football game. (As a former Naval Aviator I felt comfortable on either sideline.) The occasion was to present the NASA Ambassador of Exploration Award, which was awarded posthumously to President John F. Kennedy, to Rice University.

You can’t get something for nothing … Yet, the senators working on healthcare reform on the Finance Committee are under the impression that they can when it comes to the medical device industry.