Chairman Gordon Comments on the End of FutureGen
(Washington, DC) - Earlier today, the Department of Energy informed the FutureGen Alliance that it was formally ending all funding obligations to this project. FutureGen had been a Presidential initiative to develop a first-of-its-kind zero-emissions coal-fired power plant. Bart Gordon, Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, made the following statement: "I remain unconvinced that the Department of Energy's decision to terminate support for the FutureGen project is the right … Continue Reading
June 12, 2008Communities Left Vulnerable to Toxic Chemicals, Witnesses Tell Subcommittee
(Washington, DC) - The House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight heard testimony today on the human impact when the scientific integrity of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) public chemical database, IRIS, is compromised. The Subcommittee is also looking into the White House’s efforts to slow the completion and release of chemical assessments in IRIS. “When state and local authorities get poor information, or no information, … Continue Reading
June 12, 2008On H.R. 6063, the NASA Authorization Act of 2008
Remarks on the U.S. House of Representatives Floor On H.R. 6063, the NASA Authorization Act of 2008 June 12, 2008 By HON. BART GORDON [D-TN] Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology Today I am asking my colleagues in the House to ensure this country’s leadership in space and aeronautics programs by passing H.R. 6063, the “NASA Authorization Act of 2008.” First, I want to thank and commend Chairman Udall of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics for his leadership in … Continue Reading
June 11, 2008Miller Calls on DHS to Withdraw Inappropriate Classification of Students as “Security Threats”
(Washington, DC) - Investigations & Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) today released a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff asking him to rescind the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) determination that foreign graduate students in oceanography pose a "security threat" because they applied for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) while holding a student visa, a category not eligible for the TWIC. "The TSA … Continue Reading
June 11, 2008Miller Calls on White House to Release Documentation on Toxic Chemical
(Washington, DC) - Today, Investigations & Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) sent a letter to the White House asking for all documents related to the long-delayed assessment of the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE).The Subcommittee is examining whether the White House's continued efforts to delay assessments of the health risks posed by toxic chemicals is contributing to illness and premature death for thousands of Americans. "Politics should have no … Continue Reading
June 10, 2008Subcommittee Supports and Reviews Hybrid Technologies for Medium- to Heavy-Duty Commercial Trucks
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology's Energy and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the state of developing hybrid technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial vehicles applications. Specifically, Subcommittee Members reviewed industry partnerships and the Department of Energy's (DOE) support in R&D of these systems and draft legislation. "Skyrocketing costs of fuels have had a devastating impact on America's truckers by driving up the cost of … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Research and Monitor Ocean Acidification
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to review H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act. Committee Members examined the current status of science on ocean acidification and research and monitoring activities focused on ocean acidification and its potential impacts on marine organisms and marine ecosystems. Ocean acidification is one of the consequences of climate change. … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008House Passes Legislation to Strengthen Nanotechnology Safety Research
(Washington, DC) - Today, H.R. 5940, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 407 to 6. H.R. 5940 reauthorizes and refines the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), notably strengthening the commitment to environmental and safety research. “The promise of nanotechnology is enormous, but potential downsides need to be addressed from the beginning in a thorough, transparent process,” said Chairman Bart Gordon … Continue Reading
June 04, 2008Chairman Gordon’s Statement on Health IT Draft Legislation
Washington, DC) -The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on a discussion draft of legislation on Health IT and Privacy. House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), who is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, offered the following statement: First, I want to make clear that I fully support Chairman Pallone's and Chairman Dingell's efforts to have Congress play a more active role in developing a national … Continue Reading
June 04, 2008Committee 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