Subcommittee Addresses the Need for a Research Agenda to Mitigate Our Transportation System’s Impact on the Environment
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held its third hearing in a series to discuss the impact of the transportation system on the environment. The planning and design of surface transportation infrastructure can influence congestion, the number of vehicle miles traveled, and the amount of energy embodied in the system from materials. In addition, planning and design factors also impact water quality, air quality, … Continue Reading
March 30, 2009Chairman Gordon's remarks at the National Academy of Sciences summit on America’s Climate Choices
as prepared for deliveryThank you for the opportunity to participate in this Summit, and I want you to know that the Academy provides essential support to the Congress through its good work. Our new President has already changed the climate for science in Washington. President Obama called me a few weeks ago and he told me: “I am a science guy.” As you can see by the appointments he is making to key positions, he wants advice and guidance from scientists. Speaker Pelosi is … Continue Reading
March 26, 2009Chairman Gordon Comments on NEJM study on Electronic Medical Records
(Washington, DC)—This week the New England Journal of Medicine released a study that identified a low rate of adoption of electronic medical records. The study cited the cost of programs, the lack of interoperability, and a lack of training as reasons for the low adoption rate.The Recovery Package included funding to incentivize the adoption of health IT by healthcare providers. More importantly, it provided for the establishment of standards that ensure interoperability and security in … Continue Reading
March 26, 2009Subcommittee Examines the Potential of Biofuels in Civil Aviation to Protect the Environment and Strengthen Energy Independence
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing to review the status of federal and industry research and development (R&D) efforts to develop safe and cost-effective uses of biofuels in civil aviation. Subcommittee Members questioned witnesses regarding the results of recently completed aviation biofuels demonstrations and what steps the federal government is taking to assess their viability. Members also … Continue Reading
March 25, 2009Committee Clears Bills To Improve Electronics Recycling and Coordinate Critical Water Research
(Washington, DC) Today, the Committee on Science and Technology approved bills to help to encourage nationwide recycling of electronic devices and to address water shortages plaguing communities across the country. The Committee approved H.R. 1580, the Electronic Devices Recycling Research and Development Act. The bill aims to reduce the amount of electronic waste through more efficient recycling, better materials selection, and designing products to be easily disassembled. … Continue Reading
March 24, 2009Coordination Could Improve International S&T Partnerships, Witnesses Tell Subcommittee
(Washington, DC) -The Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Tuesday to discuss draft legislation The International Science and Technology Act of 2009 that would create a committee to coordinate all international science and technology activities and partnerships between and among federal research agencies and the Department of State.“The new Administration gives us a tremendous opportunity and a fresh outlook for both science and foreign … Continue Reading
March 24, 2009Subcommittee Examines DOE’s Vehicle Technology R&D Programs To Ensure Industry and Public Needs Are Met
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to review the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies research and development (R&D) programs. Specifically, Subcommittee Members questioned witnesses on the program funding levels and proposals for programmatic changes to meet a changing market and public needs.“We need to break our addiction to foreign oil. For too long, the American people have been … Continue Reading
March 19, 2009Subcommittee Examines How Agencies Will Be Accountable and Transparent With Recovery Package Funding
(Washington, DC) - During Sunshine in Government week, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing to examine the accountability and transparency provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, H.R. 1. Members received testimony from agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction to determine the actions being taken to ensure accountability for the science and technology R&D funds they have received from Recovery … Continue Reading
March 17, 2009Secretary Chu, Committee Discuss Future Directions for the Department of Energy
(Washington, DC) -Today, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu testified before the Committee on Science and Technology. This was the first Cabinet-level witness for the Committee, and the Secretary’s first appearance at a House panel. The Secretary testified about the Administration’s near-term objectives and priority issues for its research and development (R&D) activities. The conversation touched on issues including: international collaboration; carbon capture and … Continue Reading
March 12, 2009Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Examines the Failures of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee's Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). "The Subcommittee has heard from many sources examples of jackleg science by ATSDR and their keenness to please industries and government agencies that prefer to minimize public health consequence," said Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC). Members heard testimony about ongoing problems at ATSDR, … Continue Reading
March 12, 2009House Encourages Students to ‘Observe’ Pi Day
(Washington, DC) -Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved House Resolution 224 "Supporting the designation of Pi Day" by a vote of 391-10. The Greek letter Pi-the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter-is rounded to 3.14. Many teachers and schools plan events around March 14th-3/14-to engage students in math and science activities. "This is a lighthearted event but the goals are serious," said Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart … Continue Reading
March 11, 2009DOE’s Decision to Abandon FutureGen Was Illogical, According to Staff Report Released by Chairmen Gordon and Miller
(Washington, DC) -In an effort to kill the FutureGen project, top officials at the Department of Energy knowingly used inaccurate project cost figures and promoted an alternative plan that career staff repeatedly warned them would not work, according to a majority staff report to Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC). FutureGen was a highly-touted initiative announced by President George W. Bush … Continue Reading
March 11, 2009Subcommittee Examines DOE’s Past, Present, and Future Advanced Coal Programs
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to examine FutureGen and the Department of Energy's (DOE) advanced coal programs. Subcommittee Members heard testimony on near-term and long-term strategies to accelerate research, development and demonstration of advanced technologies to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants. At the hearing Members discussed a GAO report comparing the … Continue Reading
March 10, 2009Witnesses Offer Ideas to Improve Forensic Science
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to examine the state of forensic science. Subcommittee Members heard testimony relating to the scientific and technical issues raised by the recent National Academies report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward. "Popular television shows have raised public awareness and expectation of the role of forensic science in solving crimes," … Continue Reading
March 09, 2009Chairman Gordon's remarks at the EnergyBiz Leadership Forum
remarks as prepared for delivery As you know, the Obama Administration and the leadership in the House and Senate have all indicated their intentions to move the country in a new direction to address our energy needs and climate change. That said, there is still much to do to develop the policy and pass the legislation, and as we all know, the devil is in the details. There are many moving parts to Washington's legislative and policy machine, and it remains to be seen how they are all going … Continue Reading
March 05, 2009Subcommittee Investigates Causes, Solutions for Recurring Problems of Cost and Schedule Growth at NASA
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing to examine the status of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) efforts to improve the cost management of its acquisitions and programs. Subcommittee Members heard testimony on: • The causes of cost increases and schedule delays at NASA; • NASA's progress in addressing recurring cost and schedule-growth; • The results of the Government … Continue Reading
March 04, 2009Better Coordination Needed To Ensure Adequate Water Supply, Committee Hears
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing to examine the need for a coordinated federal approach to water research and development, in an effort to help communities that are facing, or that will be facing, water shortages. Members also received testimony on H.R. 1145, The National Water Research and Development Initiative Act and on opportunities for the federal government to better coordinate and support research and technological innovation. … Continue Reading
March 03, 2009NASA Needs To Do More to Improve Its Ability to Reuse Its Existing Equipment, GAO Report Finds
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, "PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: NASA's Goal of Increasing Equipment Reutilization May Fall Short without Further Efforts," which found that inconsistent descriptions and inaccurate information on equipment condition hamper the ability of a component of NASA's Integrated Enterprise Management Program, called the Plant, Property, and Equipment (PP&E) Module to produce equipment matches and enhance the agency's … Continue Reading
March 02, 2009House Committees Take the Lead on Using Social Media to Ensure Transparency
(Washington, DC) - House Committees on Science and Technology, Education and Labor, Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming are the first four Congressional Committees to join Twitter. These Committees use Twitter as a new tool to reach their audience and ensure transparency between the government and the public. "I believe government works best when it is transparent and information is accessible to all. I want to ensure that the … Continue Reading
February 27, 2009Stakeholders Can Now Follow S&T Committee on Twitter
(Washington, DC) - The House Science and Technology Committee recently joined Twitter. The Committee will "Tweet" about Committee legislation and news, updates about Committee events, and relevant science and technology issues. "I believe government works best when it is transparent and information is accessible to all. I want to ensure that the public can easily keep tabs on what the Committee is working on. Our award-winning website is part of our official record and is a resource for … Continue Reading