Washington, DC-Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) has accepted an invitation to co-chair the monthly Congressional Forum on Technology and Innovation with Senator John Ensign (R-NV). The Tech Forum, an initiative of the Council on Competitiveness, presents briefing sessions on cutting edge science and innovation policy issues for Members of Congress and their staffs. Briefing sessions include topics such as national cyber security, telemedicine, and biodefense.

"I'm honored to be selected co-chair of the highly respected Tech Forum, and look forward to addressing many of the challenges we as a nation continue to face technologically in the ever-competitive global marketplace," Senator Blanche Lincoln said. "When we advance emerging technologies here at home, we create opportunities for job creation and economic development in the heartland, and this benefits my home state of Arkansas. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to co-chair this forum with Senator John Ensign, a friend and respected colleague, who has distinguished himself as a true leader in technology-related issues."

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln made history on November 3, 1998, when she became the youngest woman ever elected to the United States Senate. Her first term was marked by a solid list of accomplishments, a willingness to seek bipartisan solutions and a fierce loyalty to the people of Arkansas and their values. Senator Lincoln's leadership on issues affecting working families set her apart as an up and coming leader in the Senate. Her hard work and dedication earned her a coveted spot on the Senate Finance Committee. With an eye toward the ever-increasing challenges before the nation, Lincoln believes it will take a new spirit of bipartisanship and innovative thinking for Congress to respond effectively.

"Senator Lincoln's expertise and energy is a welcome addition to the Tech Forum, and I am very much looking forward to working with her as we continue to delve into the most pressing scientific and technological issues," Senator Ensign said. "Blanche has an admirable track record of consensus building and bipartisan outreach, and she'll make a tremendous asset to the forum."

"We are delighted Senator Lincoln has agreed to co-chair the Tech Forum with Senator Ensign," said Council president Deborah Wince-Smith. "Senator Lincoln's leadership and proven ability to work with Senators of both parties will be a valuable asset to the Forum going forward.

Senator Lincoln succeeds Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) as co-chairman of the Tech Forum. The Tech Forum is held monthly while Congress is in session. The next Tech Forum will be held in March.

The Forum on Technology and Innovation is underwritten through generous grants from The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

The Council on Competitiveness is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose members are corporate chief executives, university presidents, and labor leaders dedicated to setting an action agenda to drive U.S. economic competitiveness and leadership in global markets. The Council helps shape the national debate on competitiveness by concentrating on a few critical issues including national and regional innovation, competitiveness and security, globalization, workforce development, and the benchmarking of U.S. economic performance against other countries.