Slaughter, Schumer on Wheaties box

Rep. Louise Slaughter of Fairport has a new distinction — her face on a box of Wheaties, honoring her as “Champion of Science.”

She was among 28 members of Congress recognized Wednesday for supporting funding for basic scientific research and commitment to keeping America at the forefront of biomedical and technological innovation.

At a “Breakfast of Champions” on Capitol Hill, the group thanked the members for their leadership and urged them to help broaden the circle of members of Congress for whom federal investments in science are a priority.

The Science Coalition’s Champion of Science Award recognizes members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their belief that basic scientific research, conducted at universities and national labs across the country, is essential to the nation’s ability to address pressing issues in health, security, energy and the environment.

Slaughter, the only microbiologist in Congress, and Sen. Charles E. Schumer were the only New York lawmakers to receive the honor.