Congressman Rush Holt Named BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 15, 2006) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has named Congressman Rush Holt (D, NJ-12) as a “Legislator of the Year” for 2005-2006.

“BIO commends Representative Holt for his leadership on research and science issues in the Congress,” BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood stated.  “The Congressman’s active participation as Co-Chair of the Congressional Research and Development Caucus as well as Co-Chair of the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus is appreciated as are his efforts to educate his colleagues on the frequently complex science of biotechnology.”

“Congressman Rush Holt brings the unique and much needed perspective of a research scientist to the Congress,” stated Jim Shehan, Vice President of Legal, Government, and Quality Affairs for Novo Nordisk Inc., with U.S. headquarters in Princeton, NJ.  “He is a steadfast advocate of biotechnology and his efforts serve our nation, and the more than 3.2 million New Jersey residents employed in the biosciences, well."

Congressman Holt received the BIO Legislator of the Year award this morning in a meeting with representatives of the biotechnology industry from New Jersey, including Debbie Hart, President of the Biotechnology Council of New Jersey. 

“Congressman Holt has long been a supporter of biotechnology.  He consistently stands up for research and development while bridging the gap between science and policy,” stated Debbie Hart. “The Congressman’s outreach to the significant biotechnology community in his district and within the state is much appreciated.”

More than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from 35 states, including New Jersey, will participate in nearly 300 meetings with key members of the House and Senate today as part of the BIO Legislative Day event.  Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry, including patent rights, the risk of drug importation, the Small Business Innovation Research program, and science-based standards for adventitious presence.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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