Jim Von Ehr Witnesses Bill Signing in the Oval Office

President George W. Bush signed the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, which authorizes nearly $3.7 billion for R&D programs for four years, into law before politicians and scientists on December 4. The bill, which will support the technology development of multi-micro sized objects, one billionth of a meter which corresponds to 1 of 1,000,000,000 the thickness of a single strand of hair, was heavily supported by the U.S. Congress.

Jim Von Ehr (NBHS Class of '68 grad) was in the oval office that day as U.S. President George W. Bush signed the bill. Jim is founder of Zyvex Corporation, a company developing nanotechnology concepts and he previously testified to Congress regarding the bill.

Bush is joined by, from left, Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-NY, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Dr. Richard Smalley, Nobel laureate from Rice University, Steve Jurvetson of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Sen. George Allen, R-Va., Floyd Kvamme of the President'sCouncil of Advisors on Science and Technology, Jim Von Ehr, founder and president of Zyvex and 1968 graduate of New Buffalo High School, and Josh Wolfe of Lux Capital and Nanotech Report. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)