Chairman Miller Glad DHS Reversed “Security Threat” Category for Students
(Washington, DC) - Today the House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight Chairman Brad Miller sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff, saying that, although he is glad that DHS has reversed its determination that foreign graduate oceanography students who applied for access to U.S. ports were security threats, the Chairman urges Secretary Chertoff to grant port access to qualified students so they can … Continue Reading
July 16, 2008Committee Approves Legislation to Improve Water Efficiency and Hybrid Truck R&D Programs
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee passed two bills (H.R. 3957, H.R. 2339) to enhance water conservation and one bill (H.R. 6323) to improve the R&D of heavy hybrid trucks. "Dwindling water supplies across the United States continue to percolate as a major disaster on our nation's horizon. Despite tremendous spring rains in some states, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that severe drought still grips the American Southeast, California, the Rocky … Continue Reading
July 15, 2008Subcommittee Examines Role of NGOs and Universities in International Science and Technology Cooperation
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee Research and Science Education Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the role of U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and universities in fostering international science and technology cooperation, and the relationship between those organizations and the federal government. Subcommittee Members reviewed the respective strengths these organizations contribute to advancing scientific diplomacy. "It is important for … Continue Reading
July 15, 2008Subcommittee Investigates Plutonium Spill at NIST
(Washington, DC) Today, the U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on safety practices at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in light of the June 9, 2008 plutonium spill. "This Subcommittee has been the strongest champion of NIST in Congress, and its Members have spent a lot of time educating our colleagues about the outstanding scientific and technical work of NIST employees," said Subcommittee Chairman … Continue Reading
July 14, 2008House Reauthorizes the National Sea Grant Program
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House of Representatives passes H.R. 5618, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008, by voice vote. As recommended by the National Academy of Sciences 2006 review of the Sea Grant program, this legislation will increase the funding levels and the interaction between the National Sea Grant Office and the individual state programs and will improve programmatic performance reviews. House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon … Continue Reading
July 10, 2008Subcommittee Examines the Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms on our Nation’s Coastlines
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to discuss how Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are impacting our coastlines, oceans, Great Lakes and marine life. Subcommittee Members questioned witnesses regarding the current research on the microbial bloom ecology as well as options for prevention, control, mitigation, and management. "Harmful algal blooms can cause a tremendous amount of damage through the production of toxins and … Continue Reading
July 09, 2008House Passes Bill to Track Effect of Climate Change on Oceans
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2007, by a voice vote. This bill establishes an Interagency Committee on Ocean Acidification to plan and oversee a program to research and monitoring to better understand the potential impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems. "Millions of Americans depend on the oceans for their livelihood," stated Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN). "On top of … Continue Reading
July 09, 2008Chairmen Urge Investigation In Wake of Plutonium Spill
(Washington, DC) - Today the House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon, Subcommittee on Technology & Innovation Chairman David Wu, and Subcommittee on Space & Aeronautics Chairman Mark Udall sent a letter to the Secretary of Commerce urging him to immediately establish an independent panel to thoroughly investigate the environmental, health, and safety programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), especially those related to radioactive and … Continue Reading
July 08, 2008Chairman Gordon Pleased President Bush Supports International Carbon-Capture Demonstrations
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) offered the following statement on the G-8 Declaration on Environment and Climate Change, released today, which included support for 20 international carbon-capture demonstrations. "I'm glad President Bush supports the demonstrations," said Gordon. "With energy prices rising and international demand for energy growing, we need to move full-speed ahead with large-scale carbon capture and … Continue Reading
July 02, 2008Chairman Gordon Urges President Bush to Support International Cooperation in Carbon-Capture Technology
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) sent a letter to President Bush urging him to voice his support at next week’s G-8 Summit for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) demonstrations. Last month, the G-8 Energy Ministers endorsed a recommendation by the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum and the International Energy Agency to undertake 20 large-scale CCS demonstration projects … Continue Reading
June 26, 2008Subcommittees Examine State of Hurricane Research, Possible Improvements
(Washington, DC) - Today, the Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a joint hearing to examine the status of hurricane research and ways in which current research efforts could be improved. The Subcommittees also received testimony on H.R. 2407, the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2007. "The effects of Hurricane Katrina are still very visible in many of our districts, including … Continue Reading
June 26, 2008Committee to Receive Disputed FutureGen Documents from DOE Subpoena Meeting Ends with a Commitment for Delivery
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a business meeting to discuss the Committee's next action in obtaining documents regarding the FutureGen initiative from the Department of Energy (DOE). The Committee has been trying to get access to key DOE decision documents on FutureGen since April 2, 2008. The White House and Department of Energy pledged that the Committee would receive the remaining contested … Continue Reading
June 25, 2008Committee Passes Legislation to Reauthorize the Sea Grant Program and Research and Monitor Ocean Acidification
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology approved two bills, H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007, and and H.R. 5618, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008. H.R. 4174, the FOARAM Act was introduced by Rep. Tom Allen (D-ME) on November 14, 2007. This bipartisan legislation directs an Interagency Committee on Ocean Science and Technology to oversee the planning, establishment, and coordination of an … Continue Reading
June 24, 2008Subcommittee Discusses Ways to Increase the High-Skilled, High-Paying Workforce in America
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Investigation and Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss how to maintain and expand the market for high-skilled, high-paying jobs here in the United States. Subcommittee Members reviewed the nation's competitiveness in a global economy by surveying the efficacy of past and current efforts to assist dislocated workers and communities. "We need to understand how our scientific, technological, and … Continue Reading
June 24, 2008Panel Explores Ways to Reduce Transportation Costs, Environmental Impact Through Improved Infrastructure
(Washington, DC) The House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to review ongoing research and development related to surface transportation infrastructure, which include roads, freeways, and networks of stoplights, with the goal of improving sustainability and energy efficiency. The Subcommittee heard testimony from federal, state, academic, and industry representatives on their efforts to promote implementation of innovative … Continue Reading
June 20, 2008Gordon Praises Science and Education Funding in Supplemental Appropriations Bill
(Washington, DC) - Last night, the House of Representatives passed a revised version of the House Supplemental Appropriations Act, H.R. 2642. This legislation contains appropriated funding for the America COMPETES Act (PL 110-69). Last August, Congress passed and the President signed into law the America COMPETES Act. A response to the 2005 National Academies' report Rising Above the Gathering Storm, and supported by a wide range of U.S. industries, universities, and science organizations, … Continue Reading
June 20, 2008Chairmen Concerned About What Plutonium Spill Reveals
(Washington, DC) - Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon, with Technology and Innovation Subcommittee Chairman David Wu and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall, sent a letter to Dr. James Turner, Acting Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to express their concern over the handling of a June 9th plutonium spill at the NIST Boulder, Colorado Laboratory. The Chairmen were relieved that nobody was injured in the incident and … Continue Reading
June 19, 2008GAO Report Reveals Continuing Problems With NPOESS
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee continued its oversight of the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS). “This program is vital to our daily lives,” said Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX). “When launched, NPOESS will be the primary source of information the National Weather Service uses to make its long-range forecasts, and the military will need NPOESS data to … Continue Reading
June 18, 2008House Overwhelmingly Approves NASA Reauthorization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 by a vote of 409 to15. This legislation is a one-year reauthorization for Fiscal Year 2009 and is intended to provide guidance to the next administration. The current NASA authorization expires September 30, 2008. H.R. 6063 was introduced on May 15, 2008 by Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) and passed the House … Continue Reading
June 18, 2008Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Improve R&D for Ocean Acidification, the Sea Grant Program, and Hybrid Vehicles
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee passed three bills to improve environmental research and development programs - H.R. 4174, H.R. 5618, and draft legislation on hybrid vehicles. H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007 or the FOARAM Act, was introduced by Rep. Tom Allen (D-ME) on November 14, 2007. H.R.4147 establishes an Interagency Committee on Ocean Acidification to oversee the … Continue Reading