Ellen Tauscher Quotes

Powerful Ellen Tauscher for Daily Growth

About Ellen Tauscher

Ellen Tauscher, born on March 23, 1947, in New York City, was an accomplished American politician, diplomat, and physicist who served as the U.S. Representative for California's 10th congressional district from 1997 to 2009. Born to a Jewish family, Tauscher attended Barnard College before earning her Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University. Her academic background would later inform her work on science and technology policy during her political career. Before entering politics, she worked as a nuclear physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and was a senior executive at Hughes Aircraft Company. In 1996, Tauscher ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and won, becoming the first Jewish woman to represent California in Congress. During her tenure, she served on the House Armed Services Committee and was a strong advocate for nuclear nonproliferation, cybersecurity, and women's issues. In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Tauscher as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, making her the first woman to hold that position. She served in this role until 2012 when she resigned due to health reasons. Tauscher's life and career were marked by a commitment to public service, scientific innovation, and gender equality. Her most significant works include the passage of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) during her time in Congress and her efforts towards nuclear nonproliferation as Under Secretary of State. After leaving politics, Tauscher remained active in various causes, including cancer research and advocacy for women in science. She passed away on May 26, 2019, due to complications from ovarian cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the fields of science, politics, and public service.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"In Washington as in physics, timing is everything."

This quote highlights the importance of timing in both the political world (Washington) and the scientific field (physics). In politics, timing can determine the success or failure of a policy, decision, or debate, much like how timing is crucial in physics to understand the behavior of particles and energy. The message suggests that one should be aware of when to act, speak, or make decisions in order to achieve desired outcomes.

"When it comes to science and innovation, we should be investing like it's 2009."

This quote suggests that we should invest in scientific research and technological innovation as aggressively as we did during a key period in the past, specifically around 2009. The implication is that this level of investment can drive significant progress and innovation, much like it did at that time. The speaker may be implying that current levels of funding are not enough to maintain or accelerate our pace of technological advancement.

"There are no small ideas, only small actions."

This quote highlights the notion that while ideas may seem small in scale or scope, their potential impact can be significant if properly executed. It suggests that one should not undervalue an idea based on its initial appearance, as it could have far-reaching consequences. Instead, the emphasis lies on taking decisive and meaningful action to bring these ideas to fruition. In essence, small ideas can lead to big changes if acted upon with determination and commitment.

"The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake has always been the primary mission of the Department of Energy."

This quote by Ellen Tauscher emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity, exploration, and discovery in the context of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In simpler terms, it highlights that the primary goal of DOE is not just about harnessing energy for practical use but also to advance human understanding of the universe's fundamental principles and phenomena. This pursuit of knowledge is driven by a genuine fascination with unraveling the mysteries of nature and science. It is a testament to the spirit of innovation, research, and learning that lies at the heart of scientific endeavors in the United States.

"We need to invest in the fundamental science that leads to breakthroughs, just like we invest in our children's education."

This quote emphasizes the importance of investing not only in our future generations (symbolized by education) but also in the foundational scientific research that drives innovation and breakthrough discoveries. By allocating resources to both areas, we can ensure a prosperous and knowledgeable society, as well as advance technological progress for the benefit of all.

Today's tax cuts provide yet another illustration of the Republicans' fiscally irresponsible economic policies that ignore the needs of America's middle class, students, and working families.

- Ellen Tauscher

Middle, Needs, Republicans, Irresponsible

We know we cannot underestimate the importance of emergency planning in our region, nor can we assume we'll have ample warning time. If an earthquake or terrorist attack hits, we won't necessarily have advance alerts or opportunities to double- and triple-check our plans.

- Ellen Tauscher

Importance, We Cannot, Our, Earthquake

Preemption is the right of any nation in order to preserve its National Security; however, preemptive war is a tactic, not a strategy. When used as a strategy preemption dilutes diplomacy, creates an atmosphere of distrust, and promotes regional instability.

- Ellen Tauscher

Nation, Atmosphere, However, National Security

The President today once again took the opportunity to reiterate his old, failed national security strategies and present them to the American people as new, dynamic ideas intended to better protect the American people.

- Ellen Tauscher

American, Security, His, National Security

If a budget is designed to show our values, it's clear where the majority stands: against opportunity, against education, and against America's hard-working, tax-paying middle class.

- Ellen Tauscher

Education, Middle, Against, Budget

Our brave men and women are fighting around the world and they deserve relief.

- Ellen Tauscher

Fighting, Deserve, Our, Women Are

I also believe our country made a promise to veterans and their families. Veterans have kept their end of the bargain, and now, the VA is looking to pull out the rug.

- Ellen Tauscher

Country, Veterans, Rug, VA

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

- Ellen Tauscher

Small, Small Businesses, Businesses

President Bush and his administration have tried to pull the wool over our eyes and distract the public from this possibly illegal domestic spying scandal.

- Ellen Tauscher

Over, Wool, Bush, Possibly

Getting our military back on stable footing won't happen overnight. We must start this process now, since future engagements are likely and allies are scarce.

- Ellen Tauscher

Process, Happen, Likely, Scarce

Rather than showing themselves to be an ally to the middle class by ending the AMT or repealing it for years to come, my Republican colleagues refused to include it in today's legislation and America's middle class will surely suffer that choice greatly.

- Ellen Tauscher

Rather, Surely, Repealing, Greatly

At a time when we are facing threats from nations such as North Korea and Iran, and attempting to convince others such as India and Pakistan to become responsible nuclear powers, it is vital that America reclaims the leadership we once had on arms control.

- Ellen Tauscher

North, Facing, Pakistan, Powers

The government's Small Business Administration reports that small businesses represent 99% of all employers in the U.S. and are responsible for generating well over half of new jobs created.

- Ellen Tauscher

Small, Over, Reports, Represent

My heart goes out to victims and survivors of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy and to their families. This disaster will go down in history books as one of the largest natural disasters in U.S. history.

- Ellen Tauscher

Down, Out, Largest, Disaster

Hurricane Katrina, coupled with Hurricane Rita, which came promptly on Katrina's heels, claimed more than 1,200 American lives. Together, they caused more than $200 billion in damage.

- Ellen Tauscher

Which, Damage, Lives, Rita

As co-chair of the Iraqi Women's Caucus in the House, I've enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with and hear from Iraqi women elected to serve in the new National Assembly.

- Ellen Tauscher

Opportunity, New, Serve, Collaborate

After working for 14 years on Wall Street and growing up in a family with strong roots in small business, I know how important the entrepreneurial spirit is to attaining the American dream.

- Ellen Tauscher

Strong, Small, American, Entrepreneurial Spirit

An overstretched military undermines homeland security and our ability to meet threats around the world.

- Ellen Tauscher

World, Security, Meet, Homeland Security

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.