Subcommittee Seeks Information From FAA on Ending of Aviation Safety Survey
(Washington, DC) -The House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) sent a letter to the Acting Director of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) calling on him to work with NASA to reestablish a program to survey professionals in the air traffic system for better insight into air safety problems. Many of the safety problems of the last few months came to light solely because of whistleblowers stepping forward to identify … Continue Reading
July 24, 2008Subcommittee Reviews NWIRP’s R&D Program to Reduce the Loss of Life and Property Due to Windstorms
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee’s Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a hearing to review the activities of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) and examine the role research and development (R&D) plays in saving lives and reducing property losses from windstorms. Witnesses discussed the current advancements in wind hazard mitigation and the process for turning research into regulations for developers, builders, and … Continue Reading
July 23, 2008Subcommittee Reviews Draft Legislation on Water Initiative
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to learn about opportunities for the federal government to support and better coordinate research and technological innovation to enhance water supplies and water quality and to support improved water management.“In order to meet the water demands of the future, it is essential that we have the information we need to balance the water needs for municipalities, industry, agriculture, … Continue Reading
July 18, 2008Miller Comments on Determination of Research Misconduct at Purdue
(Washington, DC) - House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) issued the following statement on Purdue University's issuance of a report which determined that research misconduct had occurred in bubble fusion research conducted at the University in 2004. "I am pleased that the university has finally reached a conclusion and that they took scientific integrity concerns seriously," said Miller. Purdue concluded … Continue Reading
July 17, 2008Chairman 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