House Approves S&T Bill to Extend Commercial Space Transportation Liability Regime and Two Resolutions
(Washington, DC) - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3819, a bill to extend the commercial space transportation liability regime, by a voice vote. H.R. 3819, sponsored by Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), was first established by Congress as part of the Commercial Space Launch Act Amendments of 1988 and has been extended four times since its original enactment. The current liability risk-sharing regime extension expires at the end of the year; … Continue Reading
October 16, 2009GAO Report Affirms That NASA Has Effective Mechanisms for Coordinating with Other Federal Agencies and Avoiding Duplicative Efforts
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, NASA: Briefing on National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Programs and Associated Activities. GAO was directed by The NASA Authorization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-422), which originated in the House Committee on Science and Technology, to assess the effectiveness of policies and procedures put in place to ensure that NASA's programs and activities are not duplicative of similar efforts within the … Continue Reading
October 15, 2009GAO Report Warns of Vulnerabilities in NASA’s Networks
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, Information Security: NASA Needs to Remedy Vulnerabilities in Key Networks. GAO was directed by The NASA Authorization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-422), which originated in the House Committee on Science and Technology, to review information security controls that protect NASA's information technology resources and information from inadvertent or deliberate misuse, fraudulent use, disclosure, modification, or … Continue Reading
October 14, 2009Subcommittee Approves Reauthorization of Fire Programs
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a markup to advance H.R. 3791, The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009. The bill passed by voice vote and was reported favorably. A Full Committee markup is planned for Wednesday, October 21. "The programs in this legislation provide critical resources to fire departments across the country," stated Subcommittee Chairman David Wu (D-OR). "At a time when many cities and … Continue Reading
October 09, 2009Subcommittee Chairwoman Cites Need for “Robust” NASA Budget
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE … Continue Reading
October 08, 2009Subcommittee Examines the Need for and Government’s Role in High-Risk, High-Reward Research
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee's Research and Science Education Subcommittee held a hearing to examine various methods to fund high-risk, high-reward research, also referred to as transformative, pioneering, or high-risk, high-payoff research. Specifically, the Subcommittee discussed the federal government's role in supporting this research and how to address it in the 2010 reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110-69). According to … Continue Reading
October 07, 2009Committee Passes Legislation to Prevent and Control Harmful Algal Blooms, Improve Solar Technology, and Research the Link between Water and Energy Resources
(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology approved three bills (H.R. 3650, H.R. 3585, H.R. 3598) to create interagency strategies and comprehensive regional plans to prevent and control harmful algal blooms; improve solar technology research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) programs; and understand the link between water and energy resources. “These three bills target several important research needs. As always we appreciate the … Continue Reading
October 01, 2009Subcommittee Examines Programs that Investigate the Nature of Matter, Energy, Space, and Time
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Committee on Science and Technology’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing on high energy and nuclear physics research at the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science. The witnesses and Members discussed these research programs and their collaboration with related programs and projects carried out by the National Science Foundation and NASA as well as international partners. “This Subcommittee certainly supports basic research that may have … Continue Reading
September 30, 2009Subcommittee Approves Bills to Control Harmful Algal Blooms, Improve Solar Technology, and Examine the Link between Energy and Water Resources
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Committee on Science and Technology’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee approved bills to prevent and control harmful algal blooms; to create a roadmap process for a comprehensive solar technology research, development, and demonstration program; and to research the link between energy and water resources. The Subcommittee approved H.R. 3650, Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 by voice vote. H.R. 3650, authored by … Continue Reading
September 25, 2009GAO Report Confirms that Funding Shortfalls Have Hurt NASA’s Ability to Execute Its Constellation Program As Planned
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, "NASA: Constellation Program Cost and Schedule Will Remain Uncertain Until a Sound Business Case is Established”. The report was requested by House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), as part of the Committee’s ongoing oversight of NASA’s major acquisition programs. NASA’s Constellation program is developing the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle and the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle … Continue Reading
September 24, 2009Subcommittee Investigates Ways to Improve the Measurement Science for Life-Saving Biologic Drugs
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the need for reference standards and analytical tools to improve the development and regulatory approval process of biologic drugs, and to help ensure patients receive safe and effective medicines. Specifically, the hearing examined ways to improve the quality of the manufacturing process of biologics and provide tools to the biotechnology industry and the … Continue Reading
September 23, 2009Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Strengthen the Federal Cybersecurity R&D Portfolio
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Research and Science Education Subcommittee passed the Cybersecurity Research and Development Amendments Act of 2009 by a voice vote. This legislation would require agencies to develop, update, and implement a strategic plan for cybersecurity research and development (R&D). Specifically, the plan would require federal agencies to create a roadmap detailing each agency’s role and the level of funding required to fulfill … Continue Reading
September 23, 2009Chairman Gordon Announces Committee Staff Leadership Change
(Washington, DC) -House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) announced that his long-time aid and current Committee Chief of Staff, Chuck Atkins, will be retiring from congressional service at the end of the year. Upon Chuck’s retirement, Louis Finkel, the current Director of Policy and Outreach for the Committee, will assume the role of Chief of Staff. Chuck has been on the Hill for 17 years, first serving as Chief of Staff for former Rep. Scotty Baesler (D-KY) … Continue Reading
September 17, 2009Subcommittee Examines Ways to Prevent and Control Harmful Algal Blooms
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a legislative hearing to examine harmful algal blooms and hypoxia research and response needs, in order to create and implement a plan that would monitor, prevent, mitigate, and control both marine and fresh water bloom and hypoxia events. Specifically, Subcommittee Members heard testimony on the draft legislation, The Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act … Continue Reading
September 16, 2009Chairman Gordon's Floor Speech on H.R. 3246
as prepared for delivery H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, is authored by the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Gary Peters, and co-sponsored by our colleague from Illinois, Ms. Judy Biggert. This legislation provides a comprehensive authorization for long-term sustained funding of public-private vehicle research, development, demonstration and commercial application activities in the Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Program. From passenger cars to heavy duty … Continue Reading
September 16, 2009House Approves Bill to Invest in Comprehensive Vehicle Technology Research Program
(Washington, DC)—Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 by an overwhelming majority of 312 to 114. The bill was authored by Science and Technology Committee Member Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI). The bill provides the most comprehensive authorization to date for long-term sustained funding of public-private vehicle research, development, demonstration and commercial application activities in the Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle … Continue Reading
September 16, 2009Rep. Gary C. Peters' Floor Speech on H.R. 3246
As prepared for delivery It is no secret that the global economic crisis has had a devastating impact on the automobile industry. Automobile and truck manufacturers and parts suppliers around the globe are struggling to deal with substantially decreased demand in vehicle sales. At the same time, we are in the midst of a transformation to a more energy independent economy, which will require the production of new vehicle technologies that will increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful … Continue Reading
September 15, 2009Funding Will Be Key Determinant of America’s Human Space Flight Future, Committee and Witnesses Agree
Testimony of (Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology held the first Congressional hearing to examine the summary report of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee that was established by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the direction of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and to consider implications and related issues for NASA. The panel was asked to identify alternative courses that the U.S. might pursue … Continue Reading
September 14, 2009Committee Examines the Impact of Regional Innovation Centers in the U.S. on the Economy
(McKinney, Texas) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology held a field hearing to examine the significance of regional innovation centers on the U.S. economy and global competitiveness. Regional innovation centers cultivate a steady flow of new ideas by partnering universities and specialized research centers nationwide. Specifically, the hearing focused on the roles of the federal, state, and local governments in supporting these centers. “We live in an increasingly … Continue Reading
September 10, 2009Subcommittee Examines the Role of Risk Modeling
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held the first Congressional hearing to investigate the role risk modeling played in the global financial meltdown. Specifically, the Subcommittee examined the Value-at-Risk (VaR), a method of risk measurement, which is widely viewed as a key factor in the extreme risk-taking of financial institutions which lead to the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars causing the … Continue Reading