FC: Nanotech group comes to DC, begs for billions in federal $$$

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,49147,00.html

   Nanotech's Pitch for Megabucks
   By Declan McCullagh (declan () wired com)
   2:00 a.m. Dec. 15, 2001 PST
   
   WASHINGTON -- The U.S. nanotechnology industry may be young, but it's
   fast becoming an old hand at demanding its share of the federal pork
   barrel.
   
   During one of the first nanotech policy events ever in Washington, an
   industry trade association clamored for billions of tax dollars in new
   spending.
   
   For a bit of insider help, the Nanobusiness Alliance has turned to one
   of the savviest politicians around, who also happens to be a
   self-described futurist: former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Gingrich,
   the politico who once wanted to hand laptops to poor kids, will serve
   as the group's honorary chairman. [...]
   
   The Nanobusiness Alliance already has learned one of the most
   important lessons of Washington politics: When asking for money, stay
   relevant. In an announcement of the event, it played up an
   anti-terrorist theme: "Nanotechnology is already having a major impact
   on homeland security (and) disease detection...." 

   [...]



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