Committee Examines a Systems Approach to Improving K-12 STEM Education
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Research and Science Education Subcommittee held a hearing to examine how the public and private stakeholders in an urban K-12 system can work together to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education both inside and outside of the classroom. Specifically, the hearing focused on Chicago, and the exemplary collaborative efforts there involving the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. “In … Continue Reading
July 29, 2009Committee Approves Energy Research Legislation
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology passed legislation to improve energy efficiency and advance energy technologies through research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) programs. The bills would improve vehicle technologies, improve wind energy research and development (R&D), establish a gas turbines efficiency program, and establish a social and behavioral sciences research program. “The four bills we passed today target several important energy … Continue Reading
July 23, 2009Members, Witnesses Discuss Transition to A Smart Grid
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the progress towards transform our electricity delivery system to a smart grid, including the roles of the federal government and industry in the transition from our current aging power generation and distribution infrastructure to the next generation of electrical infrastructure, called the smart grid. “Even today with tremendous advancements in technology, … Continue Reading
July 21, 2009Subcommittee Examines Ways to Break Down Barriers and Improve STEM Education Participation Among Females
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Research and Science Education Subcommittee held a hearing to examine current research findings, best practices, and the role of federal agencies in increasing the interest of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in primary and secondary school. Members questioned witnesses about the challenges that deter young women from pursuing post-secondary STEM degrees. “Over the past few decades, girls … Continue Reading
July 21, 2009Subcommittee Advances Bills To Improve Energy R&D and Increase Efficiency
(Washington, DC) Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment approved four bills that would improve vehicle technologies for alternative fuels, further wind energy research and development, increase efficiency of gas turbines, and examine behavioral and social barriers to adoption of new energy technologies. “The four bills we considered today address important energy technology needs and the need for more research on the human factors that … Continue Reading
July 21, 2009House Approves S&T Bills That Authorize Environmental Research Parks, Advance Natural Gas Vehicle R&D
(Washington, DC)—Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2729, introduced by Technology and Innovation Subcommittee Vice Chair Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), which authorizes the designation of National Environmental Research Parks by the Secretary of Energy, and for other purposes, by a vote of 330 to 96. The Parks were created between 1972 and 1992, although they have not been formally authorized before now. The land was originally designated as buffer zones around research labs … Continue Reading
July 20, 2009House Celebrates Fortieth Anniversary of ‘Giant Leap for Mankind’
(Washington, DC)—Today, the House of Representatives approved H.Res.607, Celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, by a vote of 390 to 0. Forty years ago today, on July 20, 1969, the crew of Apollo 11 successfully landed surface of the Moon. The Apollo 11 landing was the culmination of the efforts of tens of thousands of scientists, engineers, and other dedicated individuals and organizations. The landing was a goal President John F. … Continue Reading
July 16, 2009Subcommittee Reviews Possible Impacts of the FAA’s Proposed Reorganization of NWS’s Aviation Weather Service
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) efforts and rationale behind the proposed reorganization of the National Weather Service’s (NWS) aviation weather services. Members questioned witnesses about the possible impacts the NWS reorganization could have on effectiveness of the aviation weather service and air safety. “This Subcommittee has frequently … Continue Reading
July 16, 2009Communication the Key to Engaging the Public on the Importance of Space, Witnesses Tell Members
(Washington, DC) - Today, the fortieth anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on ways to enhance the relevance of space to address national needs and to better communicate its importance to the public. “It’s of course fitting that we pause to honor those who blazed the trail that leads out beyond low Earth orbit—both the brave astronauts who undertook … Continue Reading
July 15, 2009Bill to Update Transportation R&D Clears Subcommittee
(Washington, DC) - Today the Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation approved H.R. 2569, a bill to reauthorize surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities. The bill seeks to update research and development (R&D) priorities at the Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). The legislation creates a mechanism for stakeholder input on a surface transportation … Continue Reading
July 14, 2009Subcommittee Investigates Ways to Improve Solar and Wind Energy to Meet Americans Needs
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the status of wind and solar energy research and development (R&D) programs and discuss the need for a comprehensive plan to guide future activities. In addition, Members received testimony on H.R. 3165, the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009. “We must harness the power of science to access the almost limitless renewable energy in our own … Continue Reading
July 09, 2009Members, Witnesses Discuss Water, Energy Link
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the intersection between water and energy. Water is needed to generate energy and produce fuel, and energy is needed to pump, treat, and distribute water. The need for energy is growing at the same time that water supply shortages are predicted. Research, development and demonstration are necessary to ensure the nation is able to meet its needs for both … Continue Reading
July 08, 2009FIRE Grant Programs Provide Vital Support to Firefighters and First Responders Nationwide, Subcommittee Hears
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee's Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a hearing to review fire grant programs that assist firefighters, first responders, and local communities nationwide with the equipment, training, and personnel needed to protect the public. The Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants programs, together referred to as the FIRE grants, will expire in FY 2009 and … Continue Reading
July 08, 2009T&I Subcommittee Chairman Wu’s Floor Speech on H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act
Thank you, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In today’s economy, small business is where innovation happens. The Science and Technology Committee, intends to promote the science and technology research that drives an innovation-based economy. That is why I rise in support of H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act.At more than $2.3 billion per year, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs comprise the largest … Continue Reading
July 08, 2009House Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Support Small High-Tech Entrepreneurs, Grow Jobs
(Washington, DC)—Today the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009 by a vote of 386 to 41 to reauthorize and make needed updates to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.SBIR is the single largest federal program supporting small high-tech firms’ research and development (R&D) activities. It makes more than $2.2 billion in investments yearly in small … Continue Reading
June 26, 2009House Passes Landmark Clean Energy Jobs Legislation, Includes Provisions From Science and Technology Committee
(Washington, DC)—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The final legislation included provisions approved by the House Committee on Science and Technology. “The path towards lowering our carbon emissions, meeting our needs for energy, and growing new sectors of the economy—and the jobs they provide—is through research and development of new energy technologies,” said Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN). “This … Continue Reading
June 25, 2009Subcommittee Examines DHS’s and NIST’s Cybersecurity Efforts
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to assess the cybersecurity efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). DHS oversees cybersecurity for all federal civilian networks. NIST develops and promulgates the cybersecurity standards for all federal civilian networks. Subcommittee Members reviewed the agency’s current cybersecurity … Continue Reading
June 25, 2009Problems Continue with New Technology to Detect Smuggled Radiation, Reports Find
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing to examine ongoing problems with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) efforts to acquire its next generation radiation monitors known as Advanced Spectroscopic Portals (ASPs). Both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released new reports on the ASP program this week that highlighted troubling problems … Continue Reading
June 24, 2009Committee Advances Bills, including SBIR Reauthorization to Stimulate Innovation at Small High-Tech Businesses
(Washington, DC)—Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology held a markup on three bipartisan bills: H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009; H.R. 2729, to authorize the designation of National Environmental Research Parks by the Secretary of Energy, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1622, to provide for a program of research, development, and demonstration on natural gas vehicles. The Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act … Continue Reading
June 22, 2009Chairman Gordon Comments on GAO Report Regarding Multi-Billion Dollar Radiation Portal Monitoring Program
(Washington, DC)-Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its sixth report in three years on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) troubled next generation radiation monitoring program to develop Advanced Spectroscopic Portals (ASPs). This report Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS Improved Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal monitors, but Preliminary Results Show Limits of the New Technology was requested by several members of Congress, including Committee … Continue Reading