Subcommittee Continues Look at Status of NASA’s Earth Science Programs
(Washington, DC) Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics examined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Fiscal Year 2008 budget request and plans for the Earth science and applications programs. This hearing built upon the Science and Technology Committee's February 13th hearing which examined the findings and recommendations of the National Academies' Earth Science and Applications "Decadal Survey." The Decadal Survey … Continue Reading
June 27, 2007Energy and Climate Change R&D Measures Clear Committee, Contribute to House Energy Package
(Washington, DC) Reducing the country’s dependence on traditional fuel sources and maximizing use of data on global climate change were the impetus behind four pieces of legislation cleared by the House Committee on Science & Technology today. These bills are among twelve energy and environment-related measures the Committee has cleared already this Congress, seven of which are expected to be included as key provisions in the House Energy Independence Day legislative initiative. The bills … Continue Reading
June 26, 2007Subcommittee Surveys Small Business R&D Programs
(Washington, DC) - Members of the Science & Technology Committee Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation took a closer look today at the work and progress of the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) with an eye toward reauthorizing SBIR and STTR in the 110th Congress.Today’s hearing follows up on an earlier one that focused on challenges to the SBIR program from the perspective of non-governmental experts. Today, … Continue Reading
June 26, 2007Gordon Applauds Location of Federal Bioenergy Facility in Tennessee; Continues Committee Efforts to Advance R&D
(Washington, DC) A U.S. Department of Energy announcement today locating three Bioenergy Research Centers across the country coincides with pending action by the U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology to advance and bolster U.S. bioenergy research. Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) called the actions "evidence of how a strong federal commitment to research and development can spur economic growth and result in real solutions to the energy challenges facing our country." Gordon … Continue Reading
June 25, 2007Science & Technology Chairmen React to NASA Report on ISS National Laboratory
(Washington, DC) Today, NASA issued a report to Congress on the planned use of the U.S. portion of the International Space Station (ISS) as a national laboratory. U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) issued the following reactions to NASA's Report to Congress on the ISS: Chairman Gordon: "The nation has invested a great deal in the development of the International Space … Continue Reading
June 22, 2007Committee Clears Legislation Reauthorizing R&D Programs at FAA
(Washington, DC) - Bolstering research and development within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Members of the Science and Technology Committee today cleared legislation reauthorizing existing programs within the agency and establishing several new research initiatives. The measure, H.R. 2698, the Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007, was passed by the Space & Aeronautics Subcommittee last week. The bill is aimed at improving the safety, capacity … Continue Reading
June 21, 2007Chairmen: President’s Lack of Willingness to Discuss NASA Budget ‘Deeply Disappointing’
(Washington, DC) House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO), and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX) today issued the following statement in response to the Administration's letter rejecting their request for a meeting of Members of Congress with President Bush to discuss NASA's budgetary situation: "We are deeply disappointed that the President has decided not to seize the … Continue Reading
June 21, 2007Subcommittee Advances Energy Research Legislation
(Washington, DC) - Members of the Science & Technology Committee’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee today advanced three pieces of legislation designed to enhance the country’s knowledge and use of biofuels, solar power, and carbon capture and sequestration. “Today, this Committee is taking yet another step to increase federal investment in energy technologies that we know will lessen the environmental impact of our energy use, decrease our reliance on foreign fuels, and still maintain … Continue Reading
June 19, 2007Subcommittee 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