Lewis Strauss
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Lewis Lichtenstein Strauss (pronounced /ˈstrɒz/ "straws") (January 31, 1896–January 21, 1974) was a wealthy businessman who took on a leadership role in the wartime navy, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral, and later became a U.S. administrator. He was the chairman of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission between 1953 and 1958. He was Acting Secretary of Commerce between 1958 and 1959; then-President Dwight Eisenhower nominated him for the permanent position, but his nomination was rejected by a 49-46 vote in the United States Senate.
Strauss is perhaps most remembered as the driving force in the hearings in which J. Robert Oppenheimer's security clearance was revoked. Strauss' failure to be confirmed as Secretary of Commerce was attributed to his role in the Oppenheimer matter, but numerous other controversies played a role.[citation needed]
In 1954, as chairman of the Atomic energy Commission, Strauss also predicted that electricity (generated from atomic energy) would become "too cheap to meter."[1] He may have been referring to hydrogen fusion rather than uranium fission.[2]
[edit] Personal life
Strauss was born January 31, 1896 in Charleston, West Virginia. He died January 21, 1974 in Brandy Station, Virginia.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Gordon Dean |
Chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission 1953–1958 |
Succeeded by John A. McCone |
| Preceded by Sinclair Weeks |
United States Secretary of Commerce (acting) November 10, 1958 – August 7, 1959 |
Succeeded by Frederick Henry Mueller |
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