Chairman Gordon Introduces House Resolution Honoring Landmark Space Anniversary
(Washington, DC) The Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology Bart Gordon (D-TN) introduced a House resolution today aimed at honoring the 50th anniversary of the dawn of the Space Age. That landmark anniversary is tomorrow - October 4, 1957. Upon introduction of the House resolution, Chairman Gordon delivered the following statement: "Madame Speaker, I rise today to speak about the 50th anniversary of the dawn of the Space Age, an event that took place on October 4, 1957 … Continue Reading
October 02, 2007Chairman Gordon Notes 50th Anniversary of the Space Age
(Washington, DC) The Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology Bart Gordon (D-TN) today issued the following statement in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the dawn of the Space Age that occurred on October 4, 1957. That event in 1957 had a major societal impact, sparking a reexamination of the nation's educational system, especially in the areas of math and science. It also led Congress to focus increased intention on science and space, one outcome of which was the … Continue Reading
October 02, 2007Subcommittee Explores the Priorities of the U.S. Fire Administration in Anticipation of Reauthorizing USFA
(Washington, DC) House Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Chairman David Wu (D-OR) today heard from representatives of the fire service community in preparation for the upcoming reauthorization of the U.S. Fire Administration. USFA is the primary federal organization serving the needs of firefighters and promoting fire safety for citizens. "As citizens, we place great trust in firefighter professionals to protect our lives and our homes. We believe they will respond quickly to … Continue Reading
October 02, 2007Subcommittee Examines the State of Nanotechnology Education
(Washington, DC) - The emerging field of nanoscale science and engineering (NSSE)- the science of manipulating matter at the molecular level- holds tremendous potential and has already led to medicine-dispensing contact lenses, stain-resistant clothing, and many other advances in science, health, and consumer products. For the United States to stay at the forefront of scientific research and development in NSSE will require talented engineers and scientists, and a scientifically literate … Continue Reading
September 27, 2007Subcommittee Investigates National Security Implications of Climate Change
(Washington, DC) The Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology today convened a hearing to examine current thinking on the nature and magnitude of the threats that global warming may present to national security, and to explore the ways in which climate-related security threats can be predicted, forestalled, mitigated, or remedied. "The possibility of a world transformed by climate change is not a science fiction image of a post-apocalyptic … Continue Reading
September 26, 2007Committee Addresses Need for Interoperability, Security in Emerging Healthcare Information Technologies
(Washington, DC) The U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology today held a hearing to examine progress toward the broad implementation of information technology (IT) in healthcare, and the investments in technology and standards development that are needed to create a national system of secure, interoperable healthcare information technology."The broad use of IT in the healthcare sector could have far reaching benefits, including cost savings, improved quality of care, and a reduction in … Continue Reading
September 25, 2007Subcommittee Initiates Discussion on Draft Legislation to Improve Industrial Efficiency Technologies
(Washington, DC) - Members of the Science & Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment considered avenues for improving energy efficiency technologies and environmental performance of the country's most energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Today's hearing focused on the Department of Energy's (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program (ITP). Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX) also released draft legislation at the hearing designed to enhance that program. The … Continue Reading
September 25, 2007Subcommittee Examines Relationship Between Social Behavior and Energy Choices
(Washington, DC) - Everyday millions of Americans make decisions involving the use of energy, from what type of car to purchase, whether to take public transportation, what temperature to set thermostats to, or if it’s worth purchasing energy efficient appliances. Today, Members of the Science & Technology Committee’s Research and Science Education Subcommittee examined how social and behavioral research can influence decisions effecting energy conservation. During the hearing, “The … Continue Reading
September 20, 2007House Passes FAA Reauthorization, Invests in Critical Aviation Research & Development
(Washington, DC) - Members of the U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, which includes a series of provisions authored by the Science and Technology Committee to enable the nation's air transportation system to be able to handle the expected significant growth in future air travel demand over the next twenty years safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly manner. H.R. 2881 incorporates the provisions of H.R. 2698, the Federal … Continue Reading
September 19, 2007Committee Examines Research Priorities to Improve U.S. Bridge Safety
(Washington, DC) The U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology today held a hearing aimed at exploring the current state of bridge-related research and technology development, and to consider future research and development priorities to improve bridge safety. Today's hearing, entitled Bridge Safety: Next Steps to Protect the Nation's Critical Infrastructure, marks the beginning of the Committee's efforts to address the serious problems in U.S. bridge infrastructure after the disastrous … Continue Reading
September 10, 2007Gordon, Lampson, Miller Comment on Former Hurricane Center Director’s Reassignment to NWS Southern Regional Office
(Washington, DC) Since news of National Hurricane Center Director Bill Proenza's forced departure from his post earlier this year, the U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology has undertaken an investigation of events surrounding the dismissal and subsequent actions. Joint hearings held by the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment brought to light troubling findings that the Committee continues to investigate. In August, Chairmen … Continue Reading
September 06, 2007Subcommittee Questions NASA on Health Care of Astronaut Corps
(Washington, DC) House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) today led a hearing aimed at investigating the findings of two NASA reports concerning the astronaut medical and behavioral healthcare system. On July 27, 2007 NASA released the results of an independent external review they commissioned in the wake of the controversy surrounding astronaut Lisa Nowak. That report was designed to provide "objective assessment, problem identification and recommendations for … Continue Reading
September 05, 2007Subcommittee Examines Benefits, Challenges of Coal-to-Liquid Technologies
(Washington, DC) - Members of the Science & Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment considered the policy and technological measures potentially needed if the U.S. is to move forward with an energy strategy that includes the production of liquid transportation fuels from coal sources. As the price of petroleum and natural gas remains high, there has been an increased interest in developing the commercial potential of producing synthetic liquid fuels from coal (CTL). … Continue Reading
August 09, 2007President Signs Gordon’s COMPETES Act
(Washington, DC) - Equipping teachers, educating students, investing in research and stimulating America’s economy are the goals of H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act, a bill signed into law this morning by President Bush at the White House. “We have to recognize there are roughly seven billion people in the world, half of whom make less than $2 a day. We cannot and would not want to compete with that,” said Gordon. “We have to compete at a higher level with a better equipped and skilled … Continue Reading
August 08, 2007Members Wish Endeavour Well on Mission to ISS
(Washington, DC) Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off this evening from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to continue construction of the International Space Station (ISS). Leaders of the House Committee on Science and Technology - the Committee with jurisdiction over U.S. civil space and aeronautics activity - offered the following comments on the successful launch: Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN): "One exciting aspect of this particular mission is the … Continue Reading
August 06, 2007Chairmen Request Ousted National Hurricane Center Director Be Returned to Southern Region
(Washington, DC) In deepening their look at recent controversy at the Tropical Prediction Center (TPC/NHC), chairmen of two House Science & Technology Subcommittees have requested that the center's director be returned to a position he held prior to running the TPC. Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) and Energy & Environment Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX) have sent a letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrator Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher … Continue Reading
August 04, 2007Committee Work Advances in House Energy Package Passed Today
(Washington, DC) - Advancing the development of solar power, geothermal power, carbon capture and sequestration, alternative fuels, and other energy technologies were among the accomplishments of the energy package passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives. Those provisions were among a number of pieces of legislation in H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security and Consumer Protection Act - making the House Science and Technology Committee's contributions … Continue Reading
August 02, 2007Gordon: House Passes Landmark Bill Investing in America’s Students, Teachers, Workers
(Washington, DC) Members of the U.S. House of Representatives passed groundbreaking legislation today aimed at ensuring the United States’ strong footing as a global economic leader and retaining our “brainpower advantage.” “Now is the time for us to strengthen our support for the creativity, the innovation and the talented workforce that makes the U.S. unique and gives us our competitive edge,” said Science & Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), lead House negotiator on the … Continue Reading
August 01, 2007Subcommittees Question Looming Closure of Savannah River Ecology Lab
(Washington, DC) - In a second joint hearing, Members of two Science & Technology Subcommittees further examined the Department of Energy's decision to end its funding for the Savannah River Ecology Lab (SREL), near Aiken, South Carolina. During today's hearing, Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chair Brad Miller (D-NC) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chair Nick Lampson (D-TX) heard testimony from several representatives from DOE about their decision, as well as … Continue Reading
July 31, 2007Gordon Named to Lead House Conference on Competitiveness and Innovation Legislation
(Washington, DC) Anticipating a culmination later this week of work that he began in the 109th Congress, House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) today said that U.S. students, teachers, businesses and workers stand to benefit when a House and Senate conference committee completes its work on groundbreaking competitiveness and innovation legislation. Gordon was named the lead House conferee on the panel earlier today. The House and Senate conferees are expected to … Continue Reading