July 18, 2018

Wyden, Fischer Introduce Bipartisan Resolutions Honoring Pioneering Women in Computer Science and STEM

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Deb Fischer, R-Neb., today introduced two resolutions to the Senate, honoring the lifelong dedication of Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper, two pioneering women in computer science whose ingenuity led the world into the computing age.

“Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper imagined the ways computing could shape our world and played fundamental roles in bringing those dreams to life,” Wyden said. “Their impact has too often been overlooked given that their work is the very foundation of our information society.  By recognizing these monumental women in science, I hope to encourage young women in Oregon, and around the country, to pursue work in STEM fields and transform their communities.”

“Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper were pioneers in STEM,” Fischer said. “More Nebraskans and more Americans should know about the lasting contributions they made to our nation and the world. With these resolutions, the Senate can honor these trailblazers of our past and inspire more women to enter into STEM fields in the future.”

Ada Lovelace is often referred to as the “first programmer” for her work on the world's first mechanical computer and recognizing the machine’s future potential. Grace Hopper was a United States Navy Admiral and computer scientist, who developed the programming language Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), still used today.

Wyden has been leading the charge to expand access to STEM programs across the country, sending a letter each year to senate appropriators encouraging full funding for federal STEM programs including the Math and Science Partnership Program, and the STEM Master Teaching Corps. Wyden is also a cosponsor of the Enhancing Education Through Technology Act, which would support technological infrastructure in schools and provide learning opportunities in computer science.