Dear Friends: Thank you for your continuing interest in my work in the United States Senate and for reading the Lugar Letter. As you know, I have embarked on a multi-year campaign for greater energy independence and both political and economic actions which will strengthen American security and the economies of all countries in respect to innovations and energy production and use. I am hopeful for much progress on energy security in the 110th Congress, which is why I have introduced and cosponsored multiple bills which seek in practical ways to increase use of alternative fuels, improve fuel efficiency and increase international cooperation on energy security. Additional information on my proposed legislation is included in this issue of the Lugar Letter. I also want to take a moment to recognize Black History Month and the extraordinary contributions of civil rights leaders in our country. It was a privilege to recently recognize one such pioneer with a Hoosier connection, Dr. Percy Julian, by cosponsoring a resolution to honor his life of achievement as the first African-American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Julian graduated from DePauw University in 1920 as class Valedictorian. He later returned to DePauw as a teacher in organic chemistry where he discovered the process to synthesize the drug used in the treatment of glaucoma. Following his discovery at DePauw University, Dr. Julian moved to Chicago where he continued a distinguished career and pioneered a process for the chemical synthesis of cortisone, which made it a widespread and affordable treatment of arthritis. I thank you, again, for taking time to share your insights and give me encouragement. Please write to me when I can be helpful or with your own suggestions and opinions about current issues. Sincerely,
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