WASHINGTON – The Semiconductor Industry Association today presented its 2009 Innovation Leadership Award to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for spearheading the development of the Democratic Innovation Agenda and for her strong support for funding the science and education provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the America COMPETES Act.

“Legislation passed this year with unwavering support from Speaker Pelosi represents the most important development in federal support for science in a generation,” said SIA president George Scalise.

“Increasing federal funding for basic research and improving education, especially in math and science, is essential to maintaining US leadership,” Scalise said. “Speaker Pelosi’s support, especially during the intense negotiations between the House and Senate, was critical to keeping the increased funding provisions in the compromise legislation that eventually passed.”