Honda: Administration’s Nuclear Power Plan Lacks Solution to Nuclear Waste Problem
(Washington, DC) Today, the Energy Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Science examined the economic realities of domestic nuclear fuel reprocessing technologies as well as the impact reprocessing would have on energy efficiency, nuclear waste management and weapons proliferation. Witnesses before the Subcommittee represented a range of viewpoints on the economics of nuclear reprocessing. As Marvin Fertel of the Nuclear Energy Institute pointed out in his testimony, "Future … Continue Reading
June 29, 2005Democrats Withhold Support From NASA Authorization Bill
(Washington, DC) The House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics today gave initial consideration to H.R. 3070 - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005. At today's subcommittee markup, nearly all Subcommittee Democrats withheld their support from the NASA Authorization bill drafted by the Majority, citing significant concerns with the bill's content as well as with the lack of time they were given to review the legislation. Both the … Continue Reading
June 29, 2005Hooley: U.S. Must Maintain Lead in Nanotechnology Research
(Washington, DC) The Subcommittee on Research of the U.S. House Science Committee held a hearing today to further explore the federal research and development role in the emerging field of nanotechnology. The Subcommittee heard from Mr. Floyd Kvamme, the co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), industry witnesses and from an organization that has done international assessments of technology. Mr. Kvamme was due to appear before last month's … Continue Reading
June 28, 2005Wu: Congress Should Ensure SBIR Program Continues To Support High-Tech Small Business Sector
(Washington, DC) Today, the House Science Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards reviewed the popular Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The Subcommittee's specific focus was the issue of venture capital investment in small businesses which participate in SBIR. Currently, SBIR regulations allow small businesses with venture capital investment to participate in the program only if the venture capital investor is a minority investor (less than 51%). Today's … Continue Reading
June 28, 2005Democrats Appreciate Griffin’s Candor, Still Seek Answers on Agency Plans
(Washington, DC) NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin appeared today before the House Science Committee to explain his plans for the agency's future. In his first testimony before the Committee since being named to the Administrator's post in April, Dr. Griffin fielded a wide range of questions. Democrats continued to sound the alarm on budget realities facing NASA and pressed for an explanation of what they mean for the agency's exploration initiative and core programs. Dr. Griffin made … Continue Reading
June 23, 2005Democrats Work to Stem Science and Technology Job Losses
Today, Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL) hosted the first in a series of bipartisan discussions on realities facing the science and technology industry and our U.S. workers. "America's human resources are the basis of our innovation capabilities and these underpin our economic strength and national security," stated Rep. Gordon. Expert panelists from industry and academia addressed current challenges regarding the continued … Continue Reading
June 14, 2005Udall: ISS Program, Research Yields Groundbreaking Knowledge
(Washington, DC) Members of the House Science Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics had the unique opportunity today to discuss life and research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with NASA expedition flight engineers. One witness - Dr. John Phillips, ISS Expedition 11 Flight Engineer/Science Officer - testified live and direct from Earth's orbit aboard the ISS, a first in Congressional history. Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) expressed personal … Continue Reading
June 08, 2005Science Democrats: U.S. Must Take Action to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Improve Energy Efficiency
(Washington, DC) The House Committee on Science today heard from U.S. businesses who have implemented energy efficient practices and manufacturing process changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The Committee applauded the voluntary actions of these businesses for taking the lead even in the absence of mandatory requirements. "To their credit, forward-thinking companies like United Technologies and DuPont understand that these steps can help them reduce energy costs and allay … Continue Reading
May 24, 2005Gordon Comment on Nomination of National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Director
(Washington, DC) U.S. House Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) today commended the long-awaited announcement of the nominee for director of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST). Dr. William "Bill" Jeffrey, former Deputy to the Assistant Director for Homeland and National Security at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), was nominated for the post this afternoon by President Bush. NIST has had either a part-time or acting … Continue Reading
May 18, 2005Hooley: Nanotechnology Will Leave Virtually No Product Untouched
Washington, DC - Ranking Democratic Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (OR-5) and colleagues on the House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Research heard testimony today about cutting-edge nanotechnology research and ways to commercialize this research, showcasing the leading role played by Oregon universities and businesses in developing this innovative technology. ONAMI - the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnology Institute - is a partnership of Oregon government, universities, and businesses … Continue Reading
May 17, 2005Democrats Work To Strengthen NOAA And Protect American Jobs
(Washington, DC) The House Science Committee passed several bills today to advance and promote Earth Science measures. Democrats worked to strengthen legislation to protect American jobs, enhance public safety and economic security regarding weather predication and preparedness, and create educational opportunities for historically underserved students. Bills under consideration included H.R. 50, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Act; H.R. 426, Remote Sensing … Continue Reading
May 12, 2005Rep. Udall Introduces Legislation To Preserve U.S. Prominence In Aeronautics
(Washington, DC) America's aeronautics research and development is an enterprise in crisis. Confirmed by numerous studies and reviews over the last few years - most recently by expert witnesses before the House Science Committee on March 16, 2005 - the need for a strong and innovative U.S. aeronautics R&D program is greater than ever. "Progress in aeronautics is crucial to the health of the nation's air transportation industry, an industry that is vital to the continued strength of … Continue Reading
May 04, 2005Democrats Committed to Protecting American Jobs
(Washington, DC) The Committee on Science today cleared three bills for final House consideration. In addition to H.R. 1674 and H.R. 921, H.R. 250 - the Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act - was under consideration. Committee Democrats attempted to amend this bill that falls far short of its goal to reinvigorate U.S. manufacturing. "H.R. 250 could be the vehicle to lend support to our small manufacturers, endorse an economy of innovation, offer better training to our workers … Continue Reading
April 28, 2005Udall Introduces House Resolution Honoring the 15th Anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope
(Washington, DC) Today Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO), Ranking Member of the Science Committee's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, will introduce a House Resolution marking the 15th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble has been an invaluable tool in not only advancing science's understanding of space, but also in inspiring future scientists. The resolution honors Hubble's scientific contributions as well as the countless scientists, engineers, civil servants and individuals who … Continue Reading
April 28, 2005Democrats Decry Budget Cuts, Lack of Clear Direction in NASA’s Earth Science Program
(Washington, DC) While the House Committee on Science heard a relatively upbeat assessment from NASA Assistant Administrator Alphonso Diaz on the state of the agency's Earth Science programs today, the co-chair of the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences - and other noted researchers - presented a far more sobering picture. "The bottom line appears to be that NASA's Earth Science program faces the prospect of being marginalized in the coming years as the … Continue Reading
April 27, 2005Democrats Caution Against Cuts to Vital Energy R&D Programs
(Washington, DC) Today, the U.S. House Committee on Science Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing examining the fiscal year 2006 budget request for the Department of Energy (DOE) civilian research and development programs. The witnesses at today's hearing consisted solely of Administration officials representing five core DOE civilian R&D programs. They included the director of the Office of Science as well as four representatives from offices that run applied research programs. … Continue Reading
April 26, 2005Science Committee Legislation Clears House
(Washington, DC) Committee Democrats marked final passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of three bills considered and approved by the Committee on Science. H.R. 28, H.R. 1158 and H.Con.Res. 96 advance to the U.S. Senate today after passage by voice vote. H.R. 28, the High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2005, amends the bipartisan High Performance Computing Act of 1991. The original legislation was instrumental in getting the various Departments of the Executive Branch … Continue Reading
April 20, 2005Science Committee Democrats Explore Future of Commercial Space Flight
The House Committee on Science's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics today heard from a number of experts on the commercial space industry. Research and development in this arena has led to launch vehicles and satellites that provide services from weather forecasting to home entertainment. The future of the industry and the government role in that future was the focus of today's hearing. "Members on both sides of the aisle have long agreed on the importance of a healthy and robust … Continue Reading
April 14, 2005Gordon, Udall Commend Fast Action on NASA Administrator Confirmation
(Washington, DC) Last evening, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Dr. Michael Griffin to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). House Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) today welcomed Dr. Griffin and look forward to his presence before the Committee in the near future. "Fast action by the U.S. Senate to confirm Dr. Griffin is a … Continue Reading
April 14, 2005Science Committee Democrats Recognize Outstanding Math and Science Teachers
(Washington, DC) - In recognition of the outstanding contributions of America's teachers, the House Science Committee today convened a hearing with winners of the 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). "There is no more important job than the one these teachers perform everyday," stated Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN). As the son of two teachers, I understand and admire the great contribution these men and women are making in the … Continue Reading