Subcommittee Examines Role of Community Colleges in 21st Century Competitiveness
(Washington, DC) - In efforts to fill the ranks of skilled technicians and industry workers in the advanced manufacturing industry, Members of the Science & Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Research and Science Education examined the role of community colleges in recruiting and training those workers. The manufacturing sector is responsible for 14 percent of the country's gross domestic product, and 11 percent of its employment. For the U.S. to remain competitive in this still … Continue Reading
June 19, 2007Subcommittee Works to Advance Solar Energy Technologies
(Washington, DC) The House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today explored means to advance solar energy research and technologies. The Subcommittee addressed the topic in the context of pending legislation, authored by Subcommittee Vice-Chair Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), which will soon be introduced to establish several important research, education and training programs to facilitate the adoption of such technologies. “As we have all heard in our … Continue Reading
June 14, 2007Subcommittee Clears Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007
(Washington, DC) Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics approved legislation aimed at bolstering federal aviation research and development. "This legislation provides the tools that the FAA will need to keep the nation's air transportation system safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly," said bill sponsor, Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO). H.R. 2698, the Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007, … Continue Reading
June 14, 2007Subcommittee Works to Boost Biofuels Research and Development
(Washington, DC) - Responding to the growing demand for an increased use in biofuels, Members of the Committee on Science & Technology's Subcommittee on Energy & Environment examined federal efforts to research and develop biofuels and biorefineries. "Our nation's energy needs cannot be fully met with fossil fuels alone. Indeed, sole reliance on foreign sources of energy jeopardizes our economy, foreign policy, national security, and most importantly our environment," said … Continue Reading
June 14, 2007Subcommittee Urges Criminal Investigation of NASA General Counsel
(Washington, DC) - The Chairman and Ranking Member of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology urged the Department of Justice today to investigate and possibly prosecute Michael Wholley, the general counsel of NASA, for obstruction of justice and destruction of government records. Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) and Ranking Member F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) have referred the matter to DOJ for investigation and possible … Continue Reading
June 13, 2007Committee Advances Legislation to Develop Geothermal and Ocean Energy Research
(Washington, DC) - Members of the House Science and Technology Committee furthered their commitment to diversifying the country's energy supply by approving two bills designed to boost research and development into geothermal and ocean energy technologies. Each of the two bills, H.R. 2304 and H.R. 2313, was previously reported by the Energy and Environment Subcommittee during a June 6 meeting. "These two bills are designed to address overlooked opportunities in our efforts to create a 21st … Continue Reading
June 12, 2007Subcommittee Examines Continued Federal Investment of Taxpayer Dollars in Flawed DP-2 Aircraft
(Washington, DC) The House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Investigations & Oversight today examined the history, technical viability, critical assessments, testing mishaps and management of the DP-2 Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) aircraft being developed by the duPont Aerospace Company. "The concept for the duPont Aerospace DP-2 vertical take-off aircraft was first proposed by Tony duPont thirty-five years ago. Since then, every government review of … Continue Reading
June 12, 2007Subcommittee Asks GAO to Investigate New FBI Center Designed to Amass Records on Citizens
(Washington, DC) The leaders of the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight have asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the proposed creation of a new federal facility aimed at identifying terrorists. The Subcommittee is concerned that, without the proper safeguards in place, billions of personal records that will be stored there may be vulnerable to theft or abuse. The FBI is currently seeking $12 million to develop a … Continue Reading
June 12, 2007Where Are U.S. Tech Jobs Going?
(Washington, DC) The House Committee on Science and Technology today heard from a distinguished panel of experts on the current state of technical jobs in the United States, as well as on the implications of innovation offshoring for U.S. workers and the economy. "This Committee has been working hard to address one of the country's most pressing issues, U.S. competitiveness," said Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN). "As is widely recognized, our competitiveness and high standard of living … Continue Reading
June 08, 2007Members Laud Atlantis’ Successful Launch
(Washington, DC) Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off this evening from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to resume construction of the International Space Station. Leaders of the House Committee on Science and Technology - the Committee with jurisdiction over civilian aviation and U.S. space activity - offered the following comments: Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN): "I know that I speak for all Americans in wishing the crew of STS-117 a successful mission and a safe … Continue Reading
June 07, 2007Committee Questions Lack of Action to Restore Climate Sensors to NPOESS Weather Satellite Program
(Washington, DC) The House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment continued oversight today on the unsettled National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS). In conjunction with the hearing, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) also released its latest report on the latest assessment of this critical weather monitoring platform. “This is not the first hearing the Committee has held on NPOESS and I am confident in saying it … Continue Reading
June 07, 2007Joint Subcommittee Probe Questions NASA Inspector General’s Conduct in Office
(Washington, DC) Members of the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and Members of the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics and Related Sciences held a joint hearing today to review the case against NASA Inspector General Robert "Moose" Cobb. Cobb remains on the job after a six-month investigation by the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency (PCIE) found that Cobb had abused his authority and exhibited the appearance of a … Continue Reading
June 06, 2007Subcommittee Moves Legislation on Climate Change, Energy Research
(Washington, DC) The Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology today cleared three bills for consideration by the full Committee. "The bills before the subcommittee today address overlooked opportunities in our collective efforts to respond to climate change, create good American jobs, diversify our energy supply, increase our security, and reduce the environmental impact of energy production," said Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX). "All … Continue Reading
June 06, 2007Subcommittee Investigates How to Better Coordinate Federal Math and Science Programs
(Washington, D.C.) - As part of its ongoing effort to investigate ways to increase math and science educational opportunities in the U.S., Members of the Science and Technology Committee's Research and Science Education Subcommittee today heard from several federal agencies on how the federal government is contributing to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. During the hearing the subcommittee examined whether agencies are doing enough to coordinate among themselves … Continue Reading
June 06, 2007Healthcare IT Education, Energy Research Among Host of S&T Bills Passed by House
(Washington, DC) - Multiple bills designed to increase education in healthcare information technology and energy research passed the U.S. House of Representatives today, along with two other bills honoring several space groundbreaking scientists.“Each of these bills reflects the power and possibility of science - whether it’s training professionals on new technologies to improve healthcare, accessing energy research to diversify our nation’s energy supply or inspiring a generation of future … Continue Reading
June 05, 2007Committee Looks at Technology to Limit Illegal Filesharing
(Washington, DC) - Members of the House Science and Technology Committee today heard from university officials and a leading technology expert on different methods to reduce illegal filesharing on campus internet systems. While most colleges and universities provide their students with internet access for educational and research purposes, a growing number of college students have instead come to use the system to illegally download and share copyrighted music and movies through free … Continue Reading
May 31, 2007Chairman Responds to NASA Administrator’s Comments on NPR
(Washington, DC) House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) responded to remarks that NASA Administrator Michael Griffin made to National Public Radio (NPR) in an interview that aired on today's Morning Edition. Chairman Gordon's comment follows: "Setting aside NASA Administrator Griffin's personal views on the significance of global warming, I remain concerned that NASA is not doing as much as needs to be done on climate change data collection and research. Based on … Continue Reading
May 29, 2007Miller, Lampson Continue Efforts to Halt Closure of Savannah River Ecology Lab
(Washington, DC) The Investigations and Oversight (I&O) Subcommittee and the Energy and Environment (E&E) Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology today followed up on their previous request for information regarding the pending closure of the Savannah River Ecology Lab (SREL). "On May 16 we wrote to you regarding the decision making surrounding the reduction in support for the work of the Savannah River Ecology Lab - a reduction so severe it amounts to a … Continue Reading
May 24, 2007Subcommittee Investigates Destruction of Video Records by Senior NASA Officials During IG Probe
(Washington, DC) - Members of the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight today questioned senior staff at NASA about physically destroying records of a controversial meeting between NASA’s Administrator Michael Griffin and Office of the Inspector General staff.“It is impossible not to assume the worst about what the destroyed DVD showed,” said Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC). “NASA officials knew perfectly well in advance that the meeting … Continue Reading
May 23, 2007Committee Advances Legislation on Energy Research and Health Information Technology
(Washington, DC) - The House Committee on Science and Technology today approved four pieces of legislation with goals of furthering federal research and development in the energy and healthcare information technology arenas. Among the bills marked up today by the full Committee was H.R. 364, to provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, the third piece from Chairman Bart Gordon's (D-TN) innovation package to clear the Committee. The bill was adopted by a … Continue Reading