Committee Approves NASA Authorization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee unanimously passed legislation to reauthorize NASA, H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008. This legislation encompasses the recommendations and findings from 16 hearings the Committee held throughout the 110th Congress to review nearly every major aspect of NASA’s programs. “NASA has a key role to play in the nation’s innovation agenda, ensuring the future health of our … Continue Reading
June 03, 2008Chairman Gordon’s Statement on DOE Yucca Mountain License Application
Washington, DC) - In response to an announcement today by the Department of Energy (DOE) that it has submitted a license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) seeking authorization to construct America's first repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) had the following statement: "I welcome the Department of Energy's announcement today regarding its submittal of a … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008Chairman Gordon Encouraged by Release of Comprehensive Health IT Draft
(Washington, DC) - In response to the release today of draft legislation by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) had the following statement: "My goal has always been for the 110th Congress to move comprehensive healthcare IT legislation. This draft represents a collaborative work product that creates a statutory framework for encouraging the use of and regulation of Health IT while still addressing the necessary mechanisms to … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008Subcommittee Assesses the Effects of Globalization on America’s Economy
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing to assess the effects of globalization of jobs and technology on America’s economy. Specifically, this hearing examined what influences U.S. firms’ decisions to locate their production and research facilities at home or abroad. "The hardships of working Americans are proving enduring and profound," said Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC). "No longer can we … Continue Reading
May 21, 2008Subcommittee Investigates EPA IRIS
(Washington, DC)—The Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), a database established in the 1980s to provide a single source of information on the risks associated with exposure to chemicals. The IRIS database provides a hazard identification and dose-response analysis, scientific information that when combined with estimates of exposure allow regulatory agencies to produce … Continue Reading
May 21, 2008Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Sea Grant
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the National Sea Grant College Program Act, H.R. 5618. The Sea Grant program is a partnership between state and federal government to promote the understanding, conservation, and management of our ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. "The National Sea Grant College Program is a powerful resource in America's pursuit of discovery through science," … Continue Reading
May 20, 2008Subcommittee Passes NASA Authorization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics unanimously passed HR 6063, the NASA Authorization Act of 2008 without amendment. Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) introduced the bill to reauthorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Fiscal Year 2009. Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), and Subcommittee Ranking … Continue Reading
May 15, 2008Subcommittee Chairman Udall’s Statement on the NASA Authorization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Committee on Science and Technology's Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall introduced the "NASA Authorization Act of 2008" (H.R. 6063), a bill to reauthorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Fiscal Year 2009. Chairman Udall made the following statement: Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the "NASA Authorization Act of 2008", a bill to reauthorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space … Continue Reading
May 14, 2008Farm Bill Expands Biofuels R&D
(Washington, DC) - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act conference report (H.R. 2419) by a vote of 318-106. The conference report includes provisions to expand biofuels research and development programs that were enacted last December in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140). H.R. 2419 will strengthen the long-standing partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy in developing … Continue Reading
May 14, 2008Committee Discusses Water Supply Challenges
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Science and Technology Committee held a hearing to discuss the challenge of managing water supplies to meet social, economic and environmental needs in the United States. Population growth, changes in water use patterns, competing demands for water supply, degradation of water quality, and climatic variation are all factors influencing the availability and use of water. "Recent droughts experienced in the west and the southeast and increased competition for … Continue Reading
May 12, 2008Committee Discusses How to Spark Younger Children’s Interest in Math and Science
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee held a hearing on efforts to engage students in math and science at an early age. Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) joined Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) and Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) in Rep. Hall's congressional districtto hear witnesses discuss how to keep students interested in math and science throughout middle school and high school, and how to translate that interest into rewarding careers that will benefit the nation, … Continue Reading
May 09, 2008Chairman Gordon Presses Establishment of ARPA-E as a Key to Clean Energy Independence
(Washington, DC) - House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) spoke at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory today at 11 am to discuss the path to clean energy independence. He was joined by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN).“Rising costs of energy are hurting consumers at the pump, families at the supermarket, and threatening job security because high prices are weakening the competitiveness of our domestic industries,” said Chairman Gordon. “The … Continue Reading
May 08, 2008Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Remove Barriers for Women in Academic Science and Engineering Fields
(Washington, DC) -Today, the House Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing to discuss ways to remove barriers for women in academic science and engineering fields. The Subcommittee held a hearing to receive comments on draft legislation that incorporates recommendations from the National Academies panel that were presented at a hearing in October of 2007. "The United States cannot afford to continue losing our best and brightest women from … Continue Reading
May 07, 2008Committee Passes Legislation to Reauthorize NNI
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Science and Technology Committee approved H.R. 5940, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008. This legislation amends the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act to make several changes to the implementation process and priorities of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). It is based in part on recommendations from the formal reviews of NNI by the National Academy of Sciences and the NNI Advisory Panel. "H.R. … Continue Reading
May 06, 2008Subcommittee Passes Legislation to Increase Water Supply
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment passed two bills aimed at increasing water supply through research and new technologies. Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX) led the markup on H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act and H.R. 2339, the Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007. "Water utilities across the country withdraw roughly 40 billion gallons of water per day for domestic … Continue Reading
May 05, 2008Gordon Speaks to NanoBusiness Alliance Regarding the Committee’s Work on Nanotechnology Reauthorization
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) spoke at the NanoBusiness Alliance's NanoBusiness 2008 Conference regarding advancement of nanotechnology. Chairman Gordon discussed legislation to reauthorize the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), H.R. 5940, which is scheduled to be marked up at the full Committee this Wednesday, May 7. Chairman Gordon made the following remarks: I am pleased to have been invited to address the NanoBusiness 2008 … Continue Reading
May 01, 2008Subcommittee Examines NASA’s Aeronautics R&D Program
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing to review NASA's current Aeronautics R&D program and discuss ways to make it more relevant to the nation's needs. This hearing is part of a series of oversight hearings to review the major programs and to provide input to the Committee's NASA reauthorization legislative activity. Among other topics, the hearing examined the R&D challenges related to the … Continue Reading
April 30, 2008Committee Reviews National Management of E-Waste and Ways to Make Recycling Easier
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee held a hearing to review the current management and overall challenges of waste electronic equipment (E-waste) in the United States. Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Committee Members questioned witnesses on industry practices for recycling, refurbishment, re-sale and disposal of electronic products. "It’s important to bear in mind that a computer is not a soda can and a TV is not newspaper. These are products that contain … Continue Reading
April 29, 2008House Approves Natural Resources Legislation Containing S&T Energy Bills
(Washington, DC) - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, S.2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. S.2739 contains two bills (H.R.1126 and H.R.85) previously approved by the House Science and Technology Committee and the full House of Representatives. "These two bills mark the 19th and 20th Science and Technology Committee bills that will be enacted into law during 110th Congress," said Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN). "I'm proud that my colleagues have … Continue Reading
April 24, 2008Subcommittee Holds Joint Hearing with Armed Services Subcommittee to Examine the Role of Social Science in Enhancing National Security
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a joint hearing with the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities to examine the role social and behavioral sciences play in meeting our national security needs. Subcommittee Chairman Brian Baird (D-WA) today joined Armed Forces Subcommittee Chairman Adam Smith (D-WA) in investigating the opportunities for collaboration between the … Continue Reading