George Brown Jr. ’46

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Throughout his career, Congressman George Brown has been a visionary. An opponent of the war in Vietnam before the position was popular or politically expedient, he joined public protests against the nation’s policies and maintained constant pressure on the administration to search for peace and prevent the war from escalating further.

Before it became an issue, George recognized the importance of alternative energy systems and nonpolluting technologies, introducing dozens of bills to protect natural ecosystems, remove carcinogens from our food and increase spending on federal environmental protection programs. He was a key player in the development of the National Energy Policy and was instrumental in the passage of the nation’s first Clean Air Act. He also helped established the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970.

Although math and science education, particularly for women and minorities, is now an area of serious national concern, George has been a leader in the effort to strengthen America’s scientific and technological base for close to 30 years. Currently the chair of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, he has been a member of the committee since 1965 and has chaired three subcommittees. He also participated in the hearings and legislation that created the National Science Foundation. In addition, George, a space enthusiast, has spent considerable energy promoting the civilian space programs and working to prevent the militarization of space.

Acknowledged by many as one of our nation’s most influential, ethical and courageous political leaders, George Brown exemplifies the qualities of the true public servant.